The Murad Code Project is a global consultative initiative aimed at building and supporting a community of better practice for, with and concerning survivors of systematic and conflict-related sexual violence.

  • The Global Code of Conduct for Gathering and Using Information About Systematic and Conflict- Related Sexual Violence (the “Murad Code”) is at the heart of the Murad Code Project, which is spearheaded by the Institute for International Criminal Investigations (IICI).

  • The Murad Code is a voluntary code of conduct which distils existing minimum standards for the safe, effective and ethical gathering and use of survivor information in relation to systematic and conflict-related sexual violence. It addresses those who document, investigate, report on, research, monitor and otherwise collect and use such information.

  • Named after Nadia Murad - a leading advocate for survivors of sexual violence and Nobel Peace Prize laureate - the key objective of the Murad Code and wider project is to respect and support survivors’ rights and ensure work with survivors to investigate, document and record their experiences is safe, ethical and effective in upholding their human rights.

WHY IS THE CODE NEEDED?

Ineffective, unsafe or otherwise unethical practices of gathering and using information about systematic and conflict-related sexual violence– however well intentioned – cause or amplify harm suffered by survivors and harm their chances of accessing justice. Such practices undermine respect for other human rights of survivors and are rarely effective in offering the kind of value promised to them.

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Nadia Murad speaking about the Murad Code during a session at Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI) International Conference in November 2022.

For years, many survivors have shared their frustrations and trauma about the ineffective and unethical interviews they have experienced

A voluntary, global code of conduct - which applies to all actors involved in gathering and/or using information about systematic and conflict-related sexual violence - is part of the solution

By implementing the Murad Code, the wide range of actors involved in gathering and/or using information can adopt a survivor-centred approach