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UN sanctions do not enforce themselves. Their impact becomes real when information is circulated globally through INTERPOL UN Special Notices. This is where individuals may face unexpected consequences, particularly when travelling.
What is an INTERPOL-UN Special Notice?
An INTERPOL-UN Special Notice (also “UN Special Notice”), is an international alert used to circulate information about individuals and entities subject to UN sanctions.
It is based on sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council, such as travel bans or asset freezes, and is shared with law enforcement authorities worldwide through INTERPOL’s secure systems.
Its purpose is to operationalise UN sanctions by ensuring that police authorities can identify listed individuals across countries.
Practically, a UN Special Notice allows law enforcement authorities worldwide to identify sanctioned persons using:
- names and aliases
- photographs
- identifying details
- in some cases, biometric data
In this way, INTERPOL transforms UN sanctions from formal international decisions into operational tools.
What is the difference with a Red Notice?
A Red Notice is typically issued at the request of an individual country and relates to a request for arrest or extradition.
A UN Special Notice, by contrast, is directly linked to UN sanctions lists and reflects decisions taken at an international level.
While both are circulated through INTERPOL, they serve different legal and operational purposes.
Can a UN Special Notice lead to arrest through INTERPOL?
Not automatically. Neither a UN Special Notice nor any other INTERPOL notice creates an independent power of arrest. However, it can facilitate or enable action by national authorities.
In some jurisdictions, the presence of a Special Notice may contribute to a decision to detain or restrict movement. In others, it may have more limited effects.
Any arrest ultimately depends on the national law of the country concerned.
Can you be stopped at a border because of a UN Special Notice?
Yes. In practical terms, individuals subject to UN Special Notices may be identified when crossing borders via INTERPOL systems.
This may result in:
a) Refusal of entry
b) Additional questioning or screening
c) Restrictions on movement
In some cases, temporary detention may occur while authorities assess the situation.
Will I be notified if I am subject to a UN Special Notice?
Not necessarily. Individuals are not always directly informed that they have been listed under UN sanctions or that a UN Special Notice has been issued. As a result, many people only become aware of the situation when travelling or interacting with authorities.
How can I find out if I am subject to a UN Special Notice?
There is no public database that guarantees full access to this information.
The most reliable approach is to submit a formal request to the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (“CCF”), which can verify whether data relating to you is being processed within INTERPOL systems.
Legal advice is strongly recommended before taking this step.
What is a Data Access Request?
A Data Access Request to CCF enables you to ask whether INTERPOL processes data concerning you, request confirmation of the existence of a UN Special Notice, or seek access to personal data held in INTERPOL’s files.
The CCF will assess the request and determine whether data exists, whether disclosure is permissible and whether confidentiality restrictions apply.
Can a UN Special Notice affect me even if I’ve never been charged with a crime?
Yes. UN sanctions are not limited to criminal convictions. They may be imposed when the Security Council determines there is:
a) A threat to international peace and security
b) A breach of the peace
c) An act of aggression
As a result, a UN Special Notice can exist even where no formal charges have been brought in a Court of Law.
Can a UN Special Notice be challenged?
Yes. Like all INTERPOL notices, a Special Notice can be challenged.
INTERPOL only publishes notices if they comply with its Constitution and its Rules on the Processing of Data. This includes requirements relating to legality, accuracy, proportionality, and respect for fundamental rights.
For example, a notice may be challenged if it raises concerns under Article 3 of INTERPOL’s Constitution, which prohibits any intervention of a political, military, religious, or racial character, or if the data is inaccurate or no longer justified.
Challenges are submitted to INTERPOL’s CCF which is responsible for ensuring that INTERPOL’s data processing complies with its legal framework.
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