India, Feb. 18 -- The large-scale disclosure of materials known as the "Epstein Files" has revealed "disturbing and credible evidence" of what independent human rights experts describe as a possible global criminal enterprise involving systematic sexual abuse, trafficking and exploitation of women and girls.

In a statement on Monday, the independent experts - who serve in their individual capacities under mandates from the UN Human Rights Council and are not UN staff - warned that the alleged acts documented in the files could amount to some of the gravest crimes under international law.

The reported conduct could amount to sexual slavery, reproductive violence, enforced disappearance, torture, inhuman and degrading treatment, and femic...