23

Currently there is no requirement for INTERPOL to alert people at risk of politically motivated...

Conclusion
Currently there is no requirement for INTERPOL to alert people at risk of politically motivated reprisals by foreign governments of a Notice being issued against them. This lack of transparency is particularly problematic in cases where individuals face credible risk of TNR, effectively restricting their ability to travel freely. Whilst there may be many legitimate reasons why some individuals should not be informed of the existence of Red Notices against them, we see a need for greater support for those whose lives are impacted by attempts to use this system maliciously. (Conclusion, Paragraph 73) 44
Government Response
Response Pending
HM Government Response Pending
1. As the Committee’s report notes, individuals can already request access to, or removal of, their data via INTERPOL’s independent oversight body – the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF) – which ensures compliance with data rules and resolves disputes as to the legitimacy of Notices or Diffusions. This service is freely available on INTERPOL’s website. It would not be appropriate for the UK, or any member State, to check on behalf of individuals, or inform individuals, as to whether they are wanted by other States, as we cannot intervene in the judicial process of other sovereign nations. Therefore, it is right that this process is carried out via the CCF. However, if we were made aware of confirmed cases of INTERPOL misuse, we would not hesitate to raise it with INTERPOL. INTERPOLs Constitution, in particular Article 3 forbids the Organisation from undertaking any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious or racial character. Therefore, if there was a strong basis to indicate a notice was politically motivated, it would not to be issued by the Notices and Diffusions Taskforce (NDTF). If an INTERPOL Member Country does not fulfil its obligations under the present rules, the General Secretariat is entitled to take corrective action, as outlined in Article 131 of the INTERPOL Rules on the Processing of Data. Further information on the screening and review process at NDTF is available on their website.
Addressee Bodies
Ministry of Justice
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.9 yr
Report published 30 Jul 2025