II. >> C onceptualizing Indicators for Human Rights >> The conceptual framework Process indicators Process indicators measure duty bearers’ ongoing efforts to transform their human rights commitments into the desired results. Unlike with structural indicators, this involves indicators that continuously assess the policies and specific measures taken by the duty bearer to implement its commitments on the ground. State policy measures refer to all such steps, including public programmes for development and governance, budget allocations and specific regulatory or redress interventions, that a State is willing to take to give effect to its intent or commitments to attain outcomes associated with the realization of a given human right. Thus, a process indicator links Box 6 State policy measures with milestones that over time could consolidate and result in the desired human rights outcomes. By defining the process indicators in terms of an implicit “cause and effect relationship” and as a “monitorable intermediate” between commitment and results, the accountability of the State for its human rights obligations can be better assessed. At the same time, these indicators help in directly monitoring the progressive fulfilment of a right or the process of protecting a right, as the case may be. Process indicators are more sensitive to changes than outcome indicators; hence, they are better at capturing the progressive realization of a right or at reflecting the ongoing efforts of the State parties in protecting it. Process indicators Process indicators help in assessing a State’s efforts, through its implementation of policy measures and programmes of action, to transform its human rights commitments into the desired results. Some common process indicators are: Indicators based on budget allocations;  Coverage of targeted population groups under public programmes;  Human rights complaints received and the proportion redressed;  Incentive and awareness measures extended by the duty bearer to address specific human rights issues;  and Indicators reflecting functioning of specific institutions (e.g., NHRI, legal system). 36 Human Rights Indicators