III. >> M  ethodological Approaches to Human Rights Indicators >> Sources and data-generating mechanisms However, indicators derived from events-based data suffer from some obvious shortcomings. Given the inclination of some States to hide information on their failure to fulfil their human rights obligations, such indicators may underestimate the incidence of human rights violations. They may prevent valid comparisons over time or across regions. Moreover, unless the events-based data are collected through statistically representative surveys of the populations concerned, it may not always be possible to infer and assess the population’s overall human rights situation using only such data, since sample surveys may be inadequate because of reporting and recording constraints.17 incidence of alleged or proved violation or denial of human rights within the same society or population group. It can help point to important deficiencies in the human rights protection system even when information about the general situation is not worrying. In certain instances, particularly when there is systematic and widespread denial or deprivation of human rights in a conflict or postconflict situation, events-based data may be the main source of reliable information.18 Moreover, the use of standard formats for recording data, harmonized definitions and appropriate classifications of human rights violations is critical for improving the reliability of the collected information and for monitoring human rights with this method. At the same time, a structured (unbiased) approach to collecting information is essential for enabling the aggregation and decomposition of data and for comparisons of indicators over time or crosssectional comparisons (see box 14). Socioeconomic and other administrative statistics (hereinafter referred to as socioeconomic statistics) refer to aggregate data sets and indicators based on objective quantitative or qualitative information related to the standard of living and other facets of life. Such information is compiled and disseminated by the State, through its administrative records and surveys, usually in collaboration with national statistical agencies and under the guidelines of international organizations.19 It addresses the State’s information requirements for policy formulation and implementation. In the context of State parties’ fulfilment of their human rights obligations, including for the realization of the right to information (see box 10), this category of data is of prime importance. It captures a large amount of data at the point of administrative action, in other words, potentially at the point of implementing human rights obligations, and is therefore crucial for holding the State to account. There are numerous references in The information that is compiled through the use of this method often complements information captured through other means. For example, information presented through relevant socioeconomic indicators compiled by government agencies could reflect the steps being taken to implement human rights obligations in a society, whereas information collected through the use of events-based data could complement the former by focusing on the 2 Socioeconomic and administrative statistics 17. Problems of overestimation are also possible. In general, estimates and other figures should be accompanied with relevant information on applied data collection methods and sources. When applicable, error margins or confidence intervals (see glossary) should also be provided. 18. Recently, new mediums, such as text messaging and video-sharing (social networking sites, etc.), have been used more widely to report on events-based data and denounce human rights abuses. See, for instance, the events reported on the so-called Arab spring across North Africa and the Middle East and crowdsourcing initiatives (e.g., www.ushahidi.com/). 19. The status and role of these agencies may differ, but they all compile, interpret and disseminate official statistics. See Handbook of Statistical Organization: The Operation and Organization of a Statistical Agency (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.03.XVII.7). 56 Human Rights Indicators