IV. >> Illustrating the Framework - Indicators for Some Rights >> Considerations in preparing tables of indicators seen against the background statistical information that each State party to the international treaties is expected to provide as a part of the general reporting guidelines.2 Such information is also relevant to human rights assessments undertaken in any other context. The background information reflected through appropriate statistical indicators covers population and general demographic trends, the social, economic and political situation, and general information on the administration of justice and the rule of law. The indicators have to be interpreted against this information. At the same time, information on certain structural indicators like the proportion of international human rights instruments ratified by the State (from a list of selected human rights treaties, protocols, relevant articles, conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), etc.), the existence of a domestic bill of rights in the constitution or other forms of superior law, the type of accreditation of national human rights institutions by the rules of procedure of the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions, the number of NGOs and personnel (employees and volunteers) formally involved in the protection of human rights at the domestic level, is relevant to monitoring the implementation of all human rights. Some of these indicators have been reflected in the tables and metadata sheets provided in the Guide to provide a comprehensive and self-standing reference list. However, they need to be considered for monitoring the implementation of all human rights and related issues. 4 Importance attached to disaggregation of information In general, it is essential for most indicators to go beyond national averages and seek disaggregated information related to the human rights situation of the relevant target groups vis-à-vis the rest of the population. All tables include a reference to the need for disaggregating all indicators by prohibited grounds of discrimination consistent with the recommendations of the treaty bodies and other international human rights monitoring mechanisms (see also box 22).3 Moreover, in several instances, alternative formulations of indicators at the disaggregated level of information have been included in the metadata sheet on those indicators (see examples provided in annex I). Guidance for using and analysing trends and gaps reflected by disaggregated indicators is provided in chapter V (sect. B). 5 Focus on the role of primary duty bearer and indicators on remedies In developing the indicators for human rights, the focus has been on identifying measures that the duty bearer needs to take in implementing its obligations to respect, protect and fulfil human rights (chap. I, sect. A). This is reflected in the choice of both structural as well as process indicators. In this context, besides indicators that reflect the scope and recourse to judicial remedy such as those related to access to legal aid and due process of law, the framework identifies indicators on the role of quasijudicial (e.g., some national human rights institutions) and non-judicial (executive / administrative) actors and their activities in implementing human rights. An important structural indicator that appears in most tables relates to State policy and strategy on specific human rights attributes. A policy statement of the State on a given issue outlines its position on it and, in a sense, binds the State to undertake the measures outlined in its policy document or policy framework. It is an instrument for translating the 2. See “Compilation of guidelines on the form and content of reports to be submitted by States parties to the international human rights treaties” (HRI/GEN/2/Rev.6, paras. 12–15, 26 and appendix 3). 3. General comment No. 19 (2007) of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights provides an illustrative listing of prohibited grounds of discrimination which may require the disaggregation of data. The Covenant prohibits any discrimination, whether in law or in fact, whether direct or indirect, on the grounds of race, colour, sex, age, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, physical or mental disability, health status (including HIV/AIDS), sexual orientation, and civil, political or other status, which has the intention or effect of nullifying or impairing the equal enjoyment or exercise of a human right. 74 Human Rights Indicators