A/HRC/34/25 while the elimination of any discrimination in law and in practice is an obligation of an immediate nature. Human rights indicators, which are based on international legal standards, are essential tools for measuring the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals and economic, social and cultural rights, as the use of conventional socioeconomic statistics alone is not sufficient if they are not properly compiled and analysed in the light of human rights standards (see A/HRC/31/31). 29. In this context, the 2030 Agenda calls for a strengthened capacity to increase significantly the availability of high-quality, timely and reliable data disaggregated by income, gender, age, race, ethnicity, migratory status, disability, geographic location and other characteristics relevant in national contexts. This presents an unprecedented opportunity for the measurement of the realization of economic, social and cultural rights. 30. At the same time, it will be important to ensure that the collection and analysis of data on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals respects human rights principles, given that collecting and disaggregating (or not disaggregating) data involve critical decisions that can pose substantial risks to the protection of the rights of the populations concerned. Those decisions need to be taken through appropriate processes, upholding human rights norms and principles, including: (a) Participation. The participation of stakeholders in data collection is critical, in particular for the most marginalized or “invisible” groups (such as indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, or minorities), or the organizations that represent them, including with the aim to mitigate any risks of collecting data on those groups; (b) Data disaggregation and collection by population group. Data disaggregation and collection that allow for the comparison of different population groups are central to a human rights-based approach to data, and form part of a State’s human rights obligations. Data should be collected and disaggregated by grounds of discrimination recognized in international human rights law. Data should be published in a format that permits detection of possible multiple and intersecting disparities and discrimination. Qualitative indicators and analysis of legal, institutional or cultural status of affected populations are also essential to enhance the understanding and contextualization of the data; (c) Self-identification. Data collection should not create or reinforce existing discrimination, but always “do no harm”, including by respecting personal identity and people’s own self-identification; (d) Transparency. Data collection should be independent, transparent and accurate, and respect the rights to seek, receive and impart information of the people concerned, in accordance with the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics; (e) Privacy. Respecting the right to privacy and confidentiality of individual identification is also essential, particularly with regard to privacy concerns relating to big data and surveillance; strategies for preventing and mitigating data leaks or security breaches should also be put in place; (f) Accountability. Accountability refers to both data collection for accountability and accountability in data collection. In the first sense, independent statistics, free from political interference, are fundamental tools to inform and hold those in power accountable for their policy actions (or inactions). Moreover, as State institutions, national statistics offices have human rights obligations in their daily exercise of statistical activities. 31. The above-mentioned principles are part of the human rights guidance on data and statistics developed by OHCHR, in consultation with human rights and statistics experts and practitioners. This human rights-based approach, and the values and norms underpinning it, are consistent with the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics, and should help reinforce their implementation. 8