The Red T...
is a nonprofit organization that strives, through voluntary action,
to establish translators and interpreters as a global, impartial, and protected community and to safeguard all members of the profession.
What is the Red T?
Red T is an initiative dedicated to the protection of translators and interpreters (T&Is) in conflict zones and other adversarial settings. Comprising a team of volunteers, Red T advocates worldwide on behalf of linguists at risk, raises awareness of their plight and promotes their safety.
Why do T&Is need us?
From conflict zone to courtroom, T&Is are confronted with varying degrees of distrust, discrimination, and threats. The readiness of many to be suspicious of T&Is also suggests that few truly understand what translation/ interpretation means. These hardships and their implications affect more than just T&Is - our lack of trust in them puts us all at risk. For these reasons, the Red T seeks to raise awareness, lay the groundwork for change, and aid T&Is in their plight.
Priority Action Steps
- » 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 T&Is 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 T&Is