When Human Rights Becomes a Risk: How Interpol’s Red Notice Threatens the Work of NGOs

Interpol Red Notice is an international notification about the search for a person for the purpose of arrest and possible extradition. Initially, this mechanism was intended to assist law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime and terrorism. However, in recent years, it has become increasingly clear that Red Notice is used not only for its intended purpose, but also for politically motivated purposes. Particularly vulnerable in this situation are employees of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and human rights defenders, whose activities are often aimed at criticizing the authorities and protecting civil liberties. Protecting civil society requires an understanding of the threats posed by the abuse of Interpol mechanisms and the development of effective legal strategies.

Red Notice as a Pressure Tool

A Red Notice is a request sent by Interpol for an international search for a person with the purpose of arresting him/her and handing him/her over to the country that initiated the notice. The procedure is distributed among 194 Interpol member countries, ensuring rapid interaction between law enforcement agencies.

Unfortunately, a number of states use this tool for political persecution of oppositionists, bloggers, activists and NGO employees. Red Notice is an attempt to legitimize repression under the guise of international cooperation. There are known cases when notices issued against NGO representatives were recognized as unfounded and politically motivated, which damages the international image of Interpol and undermines trust in the system.

Threats to NGOs and Civil Society

For NGO employees, Red Notice has serious consequences: restrictions on freedom of movement, risks of arrest in third countries, reputational damage. Such notices can lead to detentions when crossing borders, even if the accusations are unfounded.

The negative effects affect not only individuals but also organizations as a whole: self-censorship, withdrawal from international projects, reduction of funding and closure. This weakens civil society and reduces the ability to defend human rights at the global level.

Legal mechanisms of protection

Red Notices can be appealed through the Commission for the Control of Interpol’s Files (CCF), an independent body that reviews complaints about abusive notices. Advocates play a key role in providing strategic advocacy and independent expertise.

In addition, international protection mechanisms such as the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), UN bodies and coalitions of human rights organisations are used to help expose abuses and seek justice.

Maître Antoine Girard, lawyer specializing in international law, comments:
« De nombreuses ONG sont aujourd’hui confrontées à une utilisation abusive des outils d’Interpol. La notice rouge Interpol devient un levier politique, pas judiciaire. »

How NGOs should respond: tactics and prevention

To minimize risks, NGOs should prepare their staff legally, cooperate with specialized lawyers, and carefully monitor their own data in Interpol systems. Actively creating alliances with other organizations and publicity in the media serve as additional protection.

💬 Another expert from Interpol Law Firm notes:
« Une alerte rouge mal fondée peut ruiner des carrières et des vies. C’est pourquoi notre cabinet accompagne les ONG à chaque étape. »

Conclusion

NGOs are an essential element of democracy and the rule of law, but their work is currently under serious threat due to the abuse of international legal instruments, such as Interpol’s Red Notice. International reforms and increased transparency of the mechanism are needed to maintain a balance between the fight against crime and the protection of human rights. The role of lawyers and the human rights community in this process remains critical to ensure the safety and freedom of civil society activists and organizations.