A. What is the International Classification of Crime for Statistical Purposes (ICCS)? As a system for statistical classification, ICCS conforms to the standard definition: “A set of discrete, exhaustive and mutually exclusive categories which can be assigned to one or more variables used in the collection and presentation of data, and which describe the characteristics of a particular population.” It is based on internationally agreed concepts, definitions and principles put together to enhance the consistency and international comparability of crime statistics. ICCS also seeks to expand the analytical capabilities of crime statistics at all levels. More importantly, ICCS aims to help unblock technical constraints on the organization of statistical data posed by exclusive reference to legal provisions, such as articles in legal or penal codes, which are not always relevant from an analytical standpoint as they vary widely across national legal systems. In addition, ICCS has incorporated certain elements of international law (human rights law, international humanitarian law and international criminal law). Therefore, regardless of their characterization under domestic law – whether or seen as crimes, violations or abuses – ICCS makes it possible to classify these events globally. ICCS rests on three core statistical principles: Mutual exclusivity: every elementary manifestation of the phenomenon under study should be assigned to one and only one category of the classification such that there are no overlaps Exhaustiveness: every possible manifestation of the phenomenon under study should be included in the classification. One needs however to carefully balance it with criteria of practicality and policy-relevance. The ICCS also includes some events or behaviours that are criminalized in some countries while being legal in others. In a small number of cases, the criminalization of certain acts has been held to contravene international human rights law (ref. to HRC/ICCPR concluding observations, e.g. abortion, proselytism; libel and defamation). Statistical feasibility: that it is possible to effectively, accurately and consistently distinguish between the categories in the classification on the basis of the information available. Application of the principle of statistical feasibility of a statistical classification means that observations can be allocated to categories in the classification on the basis of the information available. The basic approach to the compilation of this indicator is to first define events as violations and abuses in accordance with international law, then use corresponding ICCS categories and codes to classify these cases behaviourally for purposes of SDG reporting. In practical terms and consistent with the indicator’s formulation, mechanisms, bodies, and institutions that have the mandate, capacity and independence to document and investigate alleged human rights violations or abuses, will have to be prioritized in the selection of potential data sources/providers at national level. This refers primarily to national human rights institutions (NHRIs), prosecution offices, police and other law enforcement agencies, and national statistical offices. The work of NHRIs invariably links national criminal justice systems with issues relating to the protection and promotion of internationally agreed human rights standards. NHRIs, 4