Red T, in partnership with the International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC) and the International Federation of Translators (FIT), issued a Conflict Zone Field Guide for Civilian Translators / Interpreters and Users of Their Services. This document, the first of its kind, outlines the basic rights, responsibilities, and practices recommended by the three organizations.  It applies to translators and interpreters serving as field linguists for the armed forces, journalists, NGOs, and other organizations in conflict zones.

Our priority action steps include:

    » Drawing attention to and informing the public about the plight of translators and interpreters in conflict zones and other high-risk settings
    » Redefining the role of conflict zone translators and interpreters and working toward protected-person status akin to that granted ICRC staff
    » Seeking to obtain a UN resolution conferring special legal status to T&Is operating in conflict zones (similar to Resolution 1738 protecting journalists)
    » Exposing injustices and rights violations as they relate to translators and interpreters
    » Mitigating the legal vulnerability of translators and interpreters by notifying them of new and existing U.S. case law
    » Monitoring incidents involving the translator-traitor mentality and alerting the public
    » Creating and maintaining a central data registry for translators and interpreters incidents and statistics
    » Tracking translators and interpreters policy progress by country (e.g., legal developments, asylum grants, insurance protocols, etc.)
    » Organizing, conducting, and/or sponsoring public events and lectures
    » Encouraging discussion about T&I issues and providing a base forum for the exchange of ideas
    » Aiding other organizations in the creation and development of programs that further T&I-related causes
    » Uniting T&I initiatives launched by individuals, groups, and trade associations under a common banner
    » Raising awareness of the Red T, its logo, and its goals, in order to secure worldwide recognition

The Red T is an initiative for the protection of translators and interpreters (T&Is) worldwide. It is comprised of a team of advocates and volunteers united by the determination to raise awareness of T&Is at risk, defend their basic human rights, promote their safety, and educate the world about the vital importance of this profession. Without T&Is, the global dialogue stalls, cultural contexts are lost, and misunderstandings proliferate.

From conflict zone to courtroom, T&Is are confronted with varying degrees of distrust, discrimination, and threats from all sides. In the worst cases, interpreters in Iraq must wear face masks to avoid being labeled as traitors and killed when they return to their communities. In Afghanistan, translators who work with foreign troops are singled out for kidnapping and slaughter. In the United States, linguists have been held legally responsible for the content they translate and the sentiments those words carry. The simple act of practicing their profession makes T&Is vulnerable to loss of life, limb, and freedom.

These hardships and their implications affect the lives of more than just T&Is. Linguists are the first line of defense against foreign threats and domestic dangers. We need them to sift through the chatter on the airwaves. We rely on them to identify crucial information. In short, T&Is are indispensable to intelligence operations at home and abroad.

They are equally key to the administration of justice. By providing language skills and cultural expertise, T&Is ensure that linguistic minorities can participate in legal proceedings. In contributing to equal access to due process, they make the world a fairer place.

All too often, however, T&Is are perceived as untrustworthy. The readiness of many to be suspicious of them suggests that few truly understand what translation/interpretation means. This deficiency undermines those who facilitate communication among peoples, and jeopardizes the peace and security of nations. Our lack of trust in them puts us all at risk.

For these reasons, the Red T seeks to lay the groundwork for change, foster greater awareness about T&Is, and aid them in their plight.

The Red T advocates on behalf of translators and interpreters at risk and gives them a voice - a voice to inform the public about their true role as impartial linguistic facilitators. With this voice, we speak out against the translator-traitor mentality, educate and rally the public, and help advance the world's understanding of the T&I profession.

Anyone can become a member. There are no dues, no applications, and we are not a membership-based organization. We are a nonprofit organization, comprised of people and volunteers from across the globe united in our passion for this initiative. The Red T embraces all people - linguists and non-linguists alike, regardless of professional affiliations, educational level, nationality, ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, and/or religious beliefs.

If you would like to learn more about volunteering or how you can help the Red T, visit :

http://red-t.org/about.html

to Get Involved.

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