The Global Code of Conduct for Gathering and Using Information about Systematic and Conflict-Related Sexual Violence.

Its short title — the “Murad Code”— is named after Nadia Murad, the Yazidi Nobel Peace Laureate and survivor advocate.

It is available in more than 15 languages at https://www.muradcode.com/murad-code.

It is a voluntary code of conduct that captures the existing,universal minimum standards that actors gathering and using information about systematic and conflict-related sexual violence (SCRSV) should uphold to ensure their work is survivor-centred and effective. 

Al tratarse de un conjunto de normas o requisitos mínimos, un código de conducta se diferencia de las «directrices» y las «buenas prácticas» de carácter discrecional, así como de los «estándares de referencia» de carácter ideal.

The current version of the Code was released in April 2022.

Se trata derequisitos fundamentales e innegociables, basados en el Derecho internacional,que deben respetar todos los actores en cualquier contexto para garantizar que su labor se lleve a cabo de forma segura, ética y eficaz. 

Las normas mínimas están todas interrelacionadas, se refuerzan mutuamente y son importantes, por lo que no es posible aplicarlas de forma selectiva ni rebajarlas.

The Code concerns individuals but also organisations, processes, systems, laws and policies. The Code applies to a wide range of actors, including but not limited to: human rights monitors, documenters and activists; survivor groups and humanitarian workers (beyond direct care roles); journalists and media organisations; criminal and immigration investigators; open-source researchers; academic researchers; managers, policymakers, funders, and medico-legal professionals.

Si recopila o utiliza información relacionada con el SCRSV, o si financia, supervisa, gestiona o participa de cualquier otra forma en dicha labor, este Código le concierne.

It is broadly defined. The term includes rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, enforced sterilisation, forced marriage, trafficking in persons for the purpose of sexual violence and/or exploitation, and any other form of sexual violence of comparable gravity perpetrated against any person where that conduct is directly or indirectly linked to an armed conflict. 

SCRSV also includes such acts during peacetime or transitional phases when they are part of systematic, repressive, structured, or political violence, and when such violence is used to terrorise or destroy communities. SCRSV includes but is not limited to sexual violence which amounts to the international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes.

The Murad Code was developed through a multi-phase, global consultative process. Over 1,300 experts and organisations across 112 countries, including 72 survivors from 17 countries, contributed to its development. The current version of the Code was released in April 2022 and is available in more than 15 languages.

- 10 principios

- 86 compromisos

Together, they capture the minimum standards for how information about SCRSV should be gathered and used. The Foreword to the Code describes important background information, as well as outlining the nature, focus, scope and application of the Code.  

- Fomentar y apoyar la recopilación y el uso eficaces de información sobre la violencia sexual en el contexto de los conflictos armados, centrándose en las víctimas .

- «Empoderar» a las personas supervivientes, ayudándolas a conocer y exigir el respeto de sus derechos humanos, así como a compartir su información de formas más seguras y eficaces durante los procesos de recopilación y uso de la información.

- Mejorar las prácticas profesionales y los sistemas de recopilación y uso de la información del SCRSV.

- To enhance coordination and cooperation between the different sectors involved in addressing SCRSV.

- Individuals and organisations who helped to develope the Code or who commit to adhere to the minimum standards reflected in the Code jointly own the Murad Code. 

- The idea of such a code was conceived by the Institute for International Criminal Investigations (IICI). The global project through which it was developed was co-founded by IICI, Nadia’s Initiative and the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI) of the UK government. The government of Canada, through Global Affairs Canada, has supported the project in 2023-26. But the Code does not belong to IICI, Nadia’s Initiative or the UK or Canadian governments.

- El IICI lidera actualmente el proyecto destinado a apoyar la aplicación del Código.

Individuals and organisations that voluntarily commit to the Code are responsible – jointly and separately – for upholding its standards. Accountability begins with commitment.

Start by reviewing the Code’s commitments against your and your organisation’s current systems, processes, procedures, practices and contracts. Identify gaps and implement changes to strengthen your practices and bring them into alignment with the Code. Reach out to other experts for help or exchanges of implementation lessons.

The Murad Code is used, for example, to inform policymaking and advocacy campaigns; as framework and reference in organisational policies, manuals, guides and research; as capacity-building resource; and as reference in academic articles and resource hubs. Governments, national and international investigation and other authorities, humanitarian actors, the media, NGOs, survivors and other actors and stakeholders use it (and associated tools and other resources) in various ways. For examples with hyperlinks to resources, see https://www.muradcode.com/code-in-practice.