A/HRC/18/24 C. Statistics and data collection 41. A key barrier emerging from both the questionnaire and the workshop that is preventing all actors from engaging in effective prevention work is the lack of statistics and data illustrating the depth and extent of the problem. 42. Nearly all States reported that they had official agencies to collect data at the national and subnational levels based on standardized methodologies. It was indicated, however, that the use of this information has not been explored by States in monitoring civil and political rights along with economic and social rights. 43. From the NHRI perspective, there was a recognition that statistical data analysis allows the mapping of human rights violations and the identification of key priority areas, and therefore is an effective tool for the prevention by NHRIs of abuses and violations at early stages. However, even with this recognition, NHRIs were not in a position to undertake technical data collection and analysis. While some are in a process of developing specific indicators for the evaluation of the human rights situation in their respective countries, the main source of information for analysis and monitoring remains their complaints and petition registry. In this respect, NHRIs are benefiting from informationsharing with different organizations, both governmental and non-governmental, although challenges persist with regard to the accuracy of this information and with regard to cohesion among institutions responsible for collecting information. Another concern was raised on the funding of specific statistical surveys regarding implementation of rights of certain groups, such as persons with disabilities. 44. This gap in data collection was mirrored at the international level in the context of migration, when it was noted that the data on victims of trafficking is scant. There was concern that the inability to gather a full picture of the situation and its drivers limits the ability of States to respond effectively. 45. The participants reported that while statistics and data were seen as central to understanding human rights violations and to framing and developing effective policy and legislative responses, there remained significant gaps in data collection. These gaps undermine the ability of States and NHRIs to accurately prioritize human rights violations, and thus take action to prevent them from occurring. Some States and NHRIs requested the support and guidance of OHCHR in better understanding how to develop human rights indicators that can be used to gain a picture of the human rights situation in their domestic context. D. Understanding the diversity of discrimination 46. Through the questionnaire, States, NHRIs and NGOs were asked to identify the measures that they had taken to counter discrimination, in particular with respect to racial discrimination, discrimination on the grounds of sex or religion, and discrimination against the marginalized, including in the context of migration. Further, they were asked to identify issues that arise from the implementation of existing measures that provide human rights protection for specific groups vulnerable to discrimination, such as religious groups, ethnic groups, women, linguistic or cultural minorities, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, migrants, refugees, persons of African descent, victims of trafficking, persons with HIV/AIDS, the poor and others. It is important to take stock of the range of actions being taken to prevent human rights violations in those groups that are most vulnerable to violations. 47. Though the questionnaire, many States indicated that, alongside developing a legislative and policy framework to address discrimination, they had put in place sanctions 11