In a recent government meeting, experts discussed the ongoing issue of Interpol abuse, highlighting concerns that despite reforms implemented in 2016 and 2017, instances of misuse have not declined. The meeting revealed that the Department of State's reports indicate a stable level of Interpol abuse, contradicting claims of a decrease. Data from the Commission for the Control of Interpol's Files (CCF) showed a significant increase in deletions of non-compliant cases, rising from 63 in 2015 to 296 in 2022, suggesting that abuse has escalated rather than diminished.
The discussion also pointed to a troubling trend in the rejection rates of requests for notices and diffusions. While rejections based on specific articles of Interpol's constitution have decreased, the overall rejection rate has increased, indicating a lack of cooperation from member states. Experts emphasized that the reforms, while valuable, have not adequately addressed the evolving nature of Interpol abuse, which is compounded by an increasing number of abusive member states and under-resourced oversight institutions.
Recommendations for further reforms were put forth, with a consensus that the focus should shift from merely reporting abuse to actively minimizing it. The meeting underscored the importance of maintaining Interpol's legitimacy and effectiveness, warning that failure to address these issues could lead to a significant crisis for the organization. The discussions concluded with a call for continued dialogue and action to enhance the integrity of Interpol's operations and protect individuals from politically motivated abuses.