III. >> M  ethodological Approaches to Human Rights Indicators >> Sources and data-generating mechanisms Box 20 Characteristics of sources of socioeconomic and administrative statistics Administrative data Statistical survey Census Inclusion criterion All events concerned by the policy or regulatory framework are registered Restricted to population sampled Complete enumeration of the population Cost Low Medium High Frequency Ongoing 3–5 years 10 years Bias Bias if incomplete or inaccurate recording (intentionally or not) Significant risk of bias, but can be minimized if survey is well designed Theoretically there is no bias, but lack of proper coverage may create one Potential for monitoring and policymaking Very good Good Good, but not for the short term Source: Adapted from United Nations Development Group, Indicators for Policy Management: A practical guide for enhancing the statistical capacity of policy-makers for effective monitoring of the MDGs at the country level (New York, 2005), pp. 83 ff. 64 Human Rights Indicators