S
tatistical Classification Framework and Methodological
Guidance Note on SDG Indicator 16.10.1 Number of verified
cases of killing, kidnapping, enforced disappearance,
arbitrary detention and torture of journalists, associated
media personnel, trade unionists and human rights
advocates in the previous 12 months1
Introduction
On 6 July 2017 the General Assembly adopted the Global Indicator Framework 2 to guide the
implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It includes, with OHCHR
as custodian agency, SDG indicator 16.10.1 whose current formulation stands as follows:
“Number of verified cases of killing, kidnapping, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention and
torture of journalists, associated media personnel, trade unionists and human rights advocates in the
previous 12 months”3
SDG indicator 16.10.1 is one of two indicators that would directly measure target 16.10 on
ensuring public access to information and protecting fundamental freedoms in accordance
with national legislation and international agreements. It specifically measures the second
1
This is the current approved formulation of the indicator (E/2017/24-E/CN.3/2017/35). Informed by ongoing
efforts to improve the methodology of the indicator, and consultations with relevant stakeholders, OHCHR,
UNESCO and ILO have agreed to work towards a refinement of the current formulation to streamline and
closely align it with target 16.10. The working draft of the proposed refinement is as follows:
“Number of verified cases of killing, enforced disappearance, torture, arbitrary detention, kidnapping and
other harmful acts against journalists, trade unionists and human rights defenders”
2 The framework is laid out in a GA resolution entitled “Work of the Statistical Commission pertaining to the
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” which was previously endorsed by the Economic and Social
Commission and the UN Statistical Commission on the basis of technical work by the Inter -agency and Expert
Group on SDG Indicators.
3 E/CN.3/2017/2
1