U.S. Department
of Justice
Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP)
About
The Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) primarily investigates and prosecutes cases against human rights violators and other international criminals. HRSP investigates and prosecutes human rights violators for genocide, torture, war crimes, recruitment or use of child soldiers, female genital mutilation, and for immigration and naturalization fraud arising out of efforts to hide their involvement in such crimes.
Leadership
Hope Olds
Chief
Michael Sheckels
Principal Deputy
Rami Badawy
Deputy Chief (Human Smuggling)
Courtney Spivey Urschel
Deputy Chief (Human Rights)
Jay Bauer
Deputy Chief (International Violent Crime)
Christina Giffin
Deputy Chief (Policy & Litigation)
Contact
HRSP Direct Line
202-616-2492
HRSP's responsibilities include enforcing federal criminal laws relating to:
- Serious human rights violations such as torture, genocide, war crimes, female genital mutilation, and recruitment or use of child soldiers and immigrations and naturalization fraud crimes involving concealment of past human rights abuses;
- International human smuggling and other immigration-related offenses; and
- International violent crimes, particularly those involving U.S. government employees and contractors overseas.