A/HRC/34/57 (c) Be based on a solid methodology, involving both quantitative and qualitative analysis; (d) Involve a procedure that ensures the independence of the actors conducting the assessment; (e) Involve consultation with all stakeholders, in particular trade unions and employers’ organizations, as well as relevant international organizations with relevant expertise, such as ILO; (f) Contain follow-up mechanisms to ensure that the result of the assessment effectively informs policymaking. Furthermore, the human rights impact of larger reforms should be monitored periodically and measures should be reconsidered if they produce adverse effects on human rights that cannot be adequately prevented or mitigated. B. Cushion adverse effects through a robust social security net 60. Economic adjustment programmes typically entail negative effects on workers’ economic situation that need to be mitigated through a robust social security net. It is all the more problematic that the downscaling of employment protection legislation has often been accompanied by austerity measures that have weakened employment and the benefits of social security nets. In order to comprehensively address the needs of workers, including the unemployed, States should adopt a comprehensive social security policy and, despite fiscal constraints, allocate the necessary budget for this purpose. There is increasing evidence that such strategies not only have a key role in terms of protecting workers, but are also conducive to sustainable economic recovery. 91 Some international and regional financial institutions have increasingly developed programmes to assist States in strengthening their social protection systems. This should become a more coherent practice, not only for countries undergoing economic adjustments. C. Ensure consultation with social partners and civil society 61. Employers and trade union organizations have particular knowledge of the workplace reality and have a key role to play in realizing human rights at work. In a number of countries, they play an important role in terms of mitigating the adverse effects of economic and financial crises by agreeing on flexible and tailor-made temporary workplace arrangements, while facilitating the protection of workers and giving a voice to those affected by the measures. The importance of national and sectoral collective bargaining cannot be understated here. They can often also detect problems relating to labour market reform proposals, including those that may have possible adverse impacts on workers’ human rights, in practice. Borrowing States and lending financial institutions should therefore consult with relevant and representative trade unions and employers’ organizations about any reforms prior to their implementation. 62. Governments should respect all collective agreements that have been concluded and, in particular, avoid derogating from them in a unilateral manner. Also, national 91 20 See Isabel Ortiz and others, “The decade of adjustment: a review of austerity trends 2010-2020 in 187 ountries”, Extension of Social Security Working Paper, No. 53 (ILO, Columbia University and The South Centre, 2015), pp. 44-46.