Last updated: 2018-12-03
In 2020, OHCHR plans to report data on documented direct conflict-related deaths of civilians for 2015,
2016, 2017
3.e. Data providers
National and international data providers that have been assessed by OHCHR for their application of the
indicator’s associated methodology, including 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, national statistical offices and relevant civil
society organizations.
3.f. Data compilers
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
3.g. Institutional mandate
4. Other methodological considerations
4.a. Rationale
This indicator measures the prevalence of armed conflicts and their impact in terms of loss of life.
Together with the indicator 16.1.1 on intentional homicide, they measure violent deaths that occur in all
countries of the world (intentional homicides) and in situations of armed conflict (conflict-related
deaths).
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development seeks to strengthen universal peace and commits to
redouble efforts to resolve or prevent conflict. It recognizes that there can be no sustainable
development without peace and no peace without sustainable development. Counting deaths occurring
in situations of armed conflict is therefore essential to the measurement of the Agenda, including and
beyond its Goal 16. Monitoring conflict-related deaths is also necessary to help protect civilians and other
potential victims, ensure respect of humanitarian and human rights standards, and understand the
patterns and consequences of armed conflicts in order to prevent future armed conflicts.
4.b. Comment and limitations
In situations of armed conflict, a large share of deaths may not be reported. Often, normal registration
systems are heavily affected by the presence of armed conflict. Additionally, actors on both sides of an
armed conflict may have incentives for misreporting, deflating or inflating casualties. In most instances,
the number of cases reported will depend on access to conflict zones, access to information, motivation
and perseverance of both international and national actors, such as UN peace missions and other
internationally mandated entities, national institutions (e.g. national statistical offices, national human
rights institutions) and relevant civil society organizations.
4.c. Method of computation