Except for those that allow for free text, all the different categories are to be coded. Data
providers should record the deaths of individuals, to the level of detailed verifiable data
possible, in the given context of an armed conflict.
For the disaggregation of the ‘cause of death’, the categories build on the WHO International
Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) , the ICCS, the ICRC overview of weapons regulated by IHL,
UN practice and OHCHR casualty recording. Each category includes common examples that
are not exhaustive and can be further expanded or contextualized in the future. To the extent
possible, data providers must specify the circumstances surrounding the cause of death (e.g.
during military or security operations, in custody, accident, other, unknown). Additional
detailed guidance on coding the cause of death has been developed and will be shared with
data providers.
Verified case
Each case will have to be verified by the data provider. In all situations, and regardless of the
methods used for information-gathering, information must draw on multiple independent
sources of information. In line with OHCHR human rights monitoring guidance32, there must
be reasonable grounds to believe that the incident or act(s) happened to the person
killed. This standard of proof is met by considering the totality of verified information. A piece
of information is generally considered verified if it is corroborated by other reliable sources.
Data collection process
In the selection of data providers for the indicator, OHCHR will systematically assess relevant
UN entities, National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), National Statistical Offices (NSOs)
and civil society organizations, for their application of the methodology for the indicator,
including their ability to provide credible and reliable data and apply the verification
standard. This will be done through metadata exchange, capacity building and continued
exchange with possible data providers.
A data provider refers to an organization that records cases of conflict-related deaths and
shares with OHCHR its disaggregated data and metadata for the compilation of the indicator.
The data source refers to the source of information used by the data providers to record and
verify information on the persons killed and related incidents. Examples of sources include:
eyewitnesses or those directly affected; hospital records; community elders, religious and civil
leaders; security forces and conflict parties; local authorities; prosecution offices, police and
other law enforcement agencies, health authorities; government departments and officials;
UN and other international organizations; media reports; members of the international
community; and civil society organizations. In addition, relevant information may be obtained
from digital sources (e.g. videos, photos), documentary sources (e.g. medical, police and
judicial records), and open sources (e.g. online information).
In the selection of potential data providers for the indicator, the mechanisms, bodies, and
institutions that have the mandate, capacity and independence to document and investigate
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