The Global Code of Conduct for Gathering and Using Information about Systematic and Conflict-Related Sexual Violence. Its short title is named after Nadia Murad, the Yazidi Nobel Peace Laureate and survivor advocate.

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. 

As a set of minimum standards or requirements, a code of conduct differs from discretionary “guidelines” and “best practices”, and from aspirational “gold standards”.

These are core, non-negotiable requirements, rooted in international law, that should be upheld by all actors in all contexts to ensure their work is done safely, ethically and effectively. 

The minimum standards are all inter-connected, mutually reinforcing and important, and selectively applying or diluting them is not an option.

The Code concerns individuals but also laws, policies, systems and processes. 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.

If you gather or use SCRSV-related information or fund, oversee, manage or are otherwise involved in such work, the Code is relevant to you.

This term refers to 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 1,000 experts and organisations across 112 countries, including 72 survivors, contributed to its development. The current version of the Code was released in April 2022 and is available in more than 13 languages.

- 10 principles

- 86 commitments

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.  

- To encourage and support the survivor-centred and effective gathering and use of information about SCRSV.

- To “empower” survivors, assisting them to know and demand respect for their human rights and share their information in safer and more effective ways during information-gathering and use processes.

- To improve professional practices and systems of gathering and using SCRSV information.

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

- Individuals and organisations who commit to 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.

- IICI is currently spearheading the project to progress the implementation of the Code with support from the government of Canada, through Global Affairs Canada.

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.