A/HRC/7/6 page 7 21. Evaluating State compliance with these obligations is facilitated where data are gathered systematically, disaggregated into relevant categories and published periodically. However, there is an alarming lack of such data in relation to women and girls.4 Moreover, at the international level, there are no agreed indicators or benchmarks for assessing progress over time.5 22. In my first report to the Commission on Human Rights in 2004, I drew attention to the need to develop indices on measuring violence against women and on State responses to it. That proposal was reflected in paragraph 25 of resolution 2004/46, in which the Commission, bearing in mind the need to develop, with full participation of all Member States, an international consensus on indicators and ways to measure violence against women, called on the Special Rapporteur to recommend proposals for indicators on violence against women and on measures taken by, inter alia, Member States, to eliminate violence against women.6 23. Accordingly, the present report makes such proposals, guided by human rights standards, including those contained in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women. It does not claim to resolve long-standing academic debates on how to define and measure forms of violence. Rather, issues and questions that are often neglected are considered and proposals on measuring violence against women and State response are suggested. 24. A limited set of indicators that allow for comparisons between countries is proposed. It is presumed that these will be rooted in more in-depth national research, which will ensure that local contexts are captured and that countries can assess their own progress. 25. Existing studies and reports have been reviewed and consultations with relevant actors undertaken. A questionnaire was sent to Member States requesting information on their efforts in developing indicators.7 A comprehensive research paper, forming the basis for this report, is found in Addendum 5. 4 The World’s Women 2005: Progress in Statistics (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.05.XVII.7). 5 In 1999, the previous Special Rapporteur on violence against women noted the need to develop indicators to monitor State responses to violence against women. 6 In its resolution 61/143 (para. 18), the General Assembly further requested the United Nations Statistical Commission to propose, building on my work, possible indicators on violence against women. 7 Of the 63 responses, 25 are from the European region (5 west, 7 central, 4 east, 4 north and 3 south), 13 from the Americas (5 North America, 4 Central America, 4 South America), 10 from the Arab region, 9 from Africa and 8 from Asia Pacific. See annex for a list of respondents.