2 December 2008
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Interpol’s Political Neutrality and Independence Article 2 of Interpol’s constitution states that its mission is to promote communication and co-operation among the world’s law enforcement agencies within the limits of the laws existing in the different countries, and in the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 3 of Interpol’s constitution bars the organization from undertaking any activity that is political, military, religious or racial. Remaining politically neutral is fundamental if the organization is to remain effective and fulfill its basic role of supporting international law enforcement co-operation. Interpol has 184 member countries. At any given time, there is never a shortage of political issues affecting the governments of any number of these countries. Were Interpol to become caught up in any of these issues, its ability to function effectively would be lost, its ability to perform its mission compromised. It must remain independent, professional, and entirely focused on performing its mission. Interpol’s day-to-day experience shows that international law enforcement co-operation and information sharing is possible even in cases where diplomatic relationships between countries are problematical or non-existant. Fighting terrorism and serious transnational crime requires international police co-operation. The wider the police co-operation, the more effective the fight. Serious transnational and organized crime, by their very nature, do not respect borders, which is why it is absolutely vital that Interpol continues to operate on an international basis in service of the global community. In order to maintain its legitimacy and integrity, Interpol must maintain its political neutrality and independence. We encourage all relevant police and law enforcement representatives from Interpol’s European Region, National Central Bureaus and Member Countries to support Interpol’s independence and therefore encourage their participation in this conference so that they can further professional police co-operation. About the Interpol Strategic Advisory Panel The aim of the Interpol Strategic Advisory Panel is to provide the Executive Committee, the Secretary General of Interpol, and the Organization with strategic advice on emerging issues relevant to international police cooperation. Established in 2005, the Interpol Strategic Advisory Panel (ISAP) is a voluntary joint initiative of Interpol’s Executive Committee (EC) and Secretary General (SG) to assist in understanding the needs and role of the police and Interpol in an increasingly complex and globally interconnected world. ISAP was created on the belief that by convening such a panel, and by having the Secretary General consult with its members as required, it can enhance the role and importance of National Central Bureaus (NCBs), Sub-Regional Bureaus (SRBs) and the Interpol General Secretariat (IPSG) as well as promote the paramount importance of international police cooperation to combat serious trans-national crime. The Interpol Strategic Advisory Panel comprises the following members:
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