The Murad Code: A Global Code of Conduct to Enhance Respect and Support for Survivors of Sexual Violence Under Authoritarian Regimes

Sexual Violence is a deeply traumatic experience that has profound physical, emotional and psychological impacts on victims. Journalists, investigators or documenters play a crucial role in reporting those cases, raising awareness, and fostering public understanding. In the context of systematic and conflict-related sexual violence, gathering and using information responsibly is critical to ensuring the safety, dignity, and rights of victims and survivors. However, there are significant ethical concerns about how some of these actors, including media outlets, treat and report on sexual violence, particularly regarding the privacy and dignity of victims.

Marion Volkmann-Brandau, the Deputy-Co lead on the Murad Code Project, made a presentation at the National Human Rights Commission on The Global Code of Conduct for Gathering and Using Information about Systematic and Conflict-related Sexual Violence (SCRSV) on behalf of the Institute for International Criminal Investigations or IICI. The Code, also referred to as the Murad Code, is named after Nadia Murad, a Yazidi human rights activist from Sinjar in northern Iraq.

Nadia Murad was captured in 2014 by Islamic State fighters for several months, before she escaped and finally made her way to Germany. She created the NGO ‘Nadia’s Initiative’ and embarked on tireless campaigns, telling her stories around the world, rebuilding communities in crisis to help survivors of sexual violence, as well as defending the rights of Yazidis and marginalized ethnic and religious minorities.

The Murad Code is a voluntary code of conduct which distils existing minimum standards for the safe, effective and ethical gathering and use of victim or survivors’ information in relation to SCRSV. The Code, which is rooted in international human rights law, addresses those who document, investigate, report on, conduct research, monitor, gather and use such information, as well as policymakers, other decision-makers and funders. It emphasises fundamental human rights of survivors, such as rights to dignity, privacy, health, security, access to justice, truth and an effective remedy.

Ms. Volkmann-Brandau delved into the Murad Code which was established to provide a standardized framework for police and human rights investigators, organisations, journalists, researchers, human rights advocates and others involved in documenting systematic or conflict-related sexual violence. The Code provides principles and commitments for the protection of victims and survivors of sexual violence, to ensure that the work of investigating, documenting and recording their experiences are safe, ethical, and effective.

Visit links below to know more about the Murad Code.
The Murad Code Project - https://www.muradcode.com/
Draft Murad Code - https://www.muradcode.com/draft-murad-code