The Murad Code Project offers a series of short video messages from an experienced criminal and human-rights investigator, Erin Gallagher. Erin speaks directly to criminal and human-rights investigators about the practical value of the principles of the Murad Code when working on cases involving systematic and conflict-related sexual violence (SCRSV). The messages will also resonate with investigators of other crimes and violations. 

The Murad Code captures minimum standards for the effective, safe and ethical gathering and use of evidence and other information about SCRSV. The videos reflect why applying the Murad Code principles is not only a matter of respecting victims’/ survivors’ rights, but also a matter of investigative effectiveness. Approaches that prioritise informed consent, risk assessment, careful handling of sensitive information and treating victims with respect can strengthen the quality and reliability of evidence, reduce the risk of harm to victims and witnesses, and ultimately increase the chances that investigations lead to meaningful outcomes for investigations and victims. 

The clips are addressed specifically to investigators working in official capacities, such as for police services, national human-rights bodies, and UN and other international investigations. Each video focuses on practical reflections drawn from investigative experience, offering insights into how the Murad Code’s principles can be integrated into everyday investigative work.

Erin Gallagher has nearly 30 years of experience as a national and international criminal and human-rights investigator of sexual violence and other crimes and violations. Her past official investigator roles include: police officer and senior investigator for the San Francisco Police Department and District Attorney’s Office; investigator at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and at the International Criminal Court (ICC); and investigator on the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria and on Libya. She currently works as investigator for the UN International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria (IIIM).