This document outlines the Commission’s Code of Ethics and Practice - a dual framework that guides every aspect of our work with survivors, evidence, and testimony

The Code of Ethics defines the guiding principles that ensure all activities are carried out with respect, compassion, and the highest ethical standards. It emphasizes the dignity and autonomy of victims, informed consent, trauma sensitivity, and a strict “Do No Harm” approach.

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The Code of Practice sets operational procedures for the secure collection, archiving, and use of all documentation. It safeguards data privacy, legal integrity, and the specific needs of vulnerable populations.

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To support our documentarians and mitigate the effects of secondary traumatization and compassion fatigue, we provide emotional support and professional guidance. Our practices are designed to address the emotional toll of exposure to distressing content.

Together, these codes form a comprehensive blueprint for ethically sound and professionally rigorous documentation of atrocities. Developed with guidance from leading international experts, the Commission’s unique methodology balances legal precision with survivor-centered care -transforming testimony into both a restorative act and a tool for future justice.

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This framework is not just procedural - it is a declaration: that survivors will be heard with dignity, their truths preserved with integrity, and their suffering met with action.

The Commission’s ethical approach is rooted in international standards, including the Murad Code (The Global Code of Conduct for Gathering and Using Information about Systematic and Conflict-Related Sexual Violence), and the documentation guidelines issued by Eurojust and the International Criminal Court. The Murad Code - named after Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad - establishes global best practices for working with survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, placing their safety, rights, and agency at the center

Our work is driven by the fundamental principle of "Do No Harm." We prioritize the physical and psychological well-being, safety, and privacy of survivors, witnesses, intermediaries, and communities at every stage of the documentation process.

All digital information collected - photos, videos, social media posts, media files, and emails - is carefully authenticated, catalogued, and stored in secure, backed-up systems. Access is governed by a strict, transparent release policy. Verification involves cross-checking data, consultation with forensic and AI experts, and review by multiple independent parties to ensure reliability and integrity.