Last updated: 2018-12-03
classification of violent deaths both related and not related to armed conflict. The ICCS provides indications
on how to distinguish between intentional homicides, killings directly related to war/armed conflict and
killings that amount to war crimes.
‘Cause’ refers to the weapons, means and methods that caused the conflict-related deaths. The categories
for the disaggregation of the ‘cause of death’ for direct deaths build on the WHO International Classification
of Diseases (ICD-11), ICCS, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) overview of weapons
regulated by IHL, UN practice and OHCHR casualty recording.
2.b. Unit of measure
2.c. Classifications
3. Data source type and data collection method
3.a. Data sources
Examples of sources include eyewitnesses; 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; detailed media reports and other relevant civil society organizations.
3.b. Data collection method
Data will be compiled from data providers that have been systematically assessed by OHCHR for their
application of the methodology for the indicator, including their ability to provide credible and reliable data
and apply the verification standard based on the technical guidance.
The mechanisms, bodies and institutions that have the mandate, capacity and independence to document
and investigate alleged killings related to conflict will be prioritized. From this perspective, UN entities
working on casualty recording in the framework of their operations (e.g. peacekeeping operations,
commissions of inquiry, humanitarian operations and human rights offices), national human rights
institutions and national statistical offices will generally be prioritized. OHCHR will conduct capacitybuilding activities and collaborate, including in validating data, with relevant stakeholders at national,
regional and international levels.
3.c. Data collection calendar
In 2019, OHCHR plans to collect data on documented direct conflict-related deaths of civilians for 2015,
2016, 2017
3.d. Data release calendar