Human Rights Investigations and Judicial Referral Unit

General Overview

The Human Rights Investigations and Judicial Referral Unit is an independent and specialized body within the Hague International Center for Legal Solutions and Consultancy (HILC). The unit is dedicated to the investigation, documentation, and legal preparation of cases involving grave human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law. It is empowered to refer such cases to competent national and international judicial authorities — including the International Criminal Court (ICC), United Nations bodies, and INTERPOL, when international arrest or accountability mechanisms are warranted.


Vision

To lead global efforts in professional, evidence-based investigations and to activate legal accountability mechanisms, ensuring that perpetrators of grave violations do not enjoy impunity.


Mission

To investigate serious human rights violations, prepare robust legal case files, and initiate referrals to competent authorities—nationally and internationally—including INTERPOL when suspects flee across borders or require global criminal tracking.

Mandate and Functions

  1. Receive human rights complaints and allegations from victims, families, and relevant institutions.
  2. Conduct independent field and digital investigations into individual or mass violations.
  3. Collect, verify, and analyze legal evidence, including documents, testimonies, photographs, and forensic records.
  4. Prepare complete legal files with accompanying legal analysis in accordance with international law.

Refer cases to:

  • National prosecution offices and courts
  • The International Criminal Court (ICC)
  • United Nations human rights mechanisms
  • INTERPOL, through its General Secretariat, for cases involving fugitives or cross-border criminal violations
  • Submit official Red Notice requests to INTERPOL where sufficient evidence exists, in accordance with its legal framework.
  • Collaborate with INTERPOL National Central Bureaus (NCBs) to assist in the arrest, extradition, or restriction of movement of wanted suspects.
  • Coordinate with global judicial and law enforcement entities to enforce international legal action.
  • Provide legal support and protection mechanisms for victims and witnesses.
  • Publish periodic reports highlighting patterns of violations and recommending urgent legal and political interventions.

Legal Framework

  • The unit operates in accordance with:
  • INTERPOL Constitution and Rules on the Processing of Data
  • Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court
  • UN Convention Against Torture (CAT)
  • International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance
  • International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
  • Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols
  • Customary international humanitarian and human rights law
  • Organizational Structure
  • Head of the Unit – International Human Rights and Criminal Law Expert
  • Investigations Team – Field and digital investigators
  • Legal Analysis and Documentation Division
  • Referral and International Cooperation Desk
  • INTERPOL Liaison Office
  • Victim and Witness Support Section
  • Advisory Board of International Legal Experts.

Special Note on INTERPOL Referrals

The unit is authorized to:

  • Submit formal Red Notice requests to INTERPOL’s General Secretariat for the international tracking of suspects involved in war crimes, crimes against humanity, or other serious human rights violations.
  • Initiate cooperation with INTERPOL National Central Bureaus in relevant countries.
  • Monitor and follow up on the implementation of INTERPOL notices in coordination with member states and victims’ legal representatives.
  • Operational Principles
  • Neutrality and Independence: All investigations are conducted impartially and without external influence.
  • Confidentiality: Victims’ identities and sensitive data are protected under international privacy standards.
  • Due Process: All referrals adhere to international legal norms and principles of fair trial.
  • Victim-Centered Approach: The unit ensures the protection and dignity of survivors throughout the process.