A/HRC/19/64 cooperation between States, as well as in multilateral development organizations and international financial institutions. Consolidation of national systems to collect, analyse and disseminate data and research on violence against children Efforts are needed to strengthen national systems for generating and handling consolidated, uniform data that allows for comparison over time and comparison with data from other sources, including other countries. This system will be a key tool for planning public policies and for monitoring and evaluation. Agreed conceptual frameworks must be reviewed to ensure they comply with the content and definitions of international standards on human rights. This review should result in more conceptual unity, which will allow for comparison of information, particularly between countries, and for better follow-up to ascertain the level of compliance with international human rights instruments. Unity of conceptual frameworks will also help to maximize cooperation between countries. The information collection systems should contain both quantitative and qualitative data, have access to diverse sources and conduct research. Collaboration of national statistics centres with universities and research centres is important, as well as with civil society organizations that generate research and data on violence towards children. Adequate training for staff involved in information collection must also be addressed. It is recommended that questions addressing issues of violence be included in household surveys, keeping in mind the limitations of such surveys when violence occurs within the family itself. It is recommended that the opinions and perspectives of children and adolescents be included and their experiences recorded. In this respect, it is felt that children and adolescents should participate directly in surveys and perception studies and other qualitative and quantitative research. Schools may be a setting for administration of such surveys, and it is recommended that experts conduct them. Statistical information must be made public, respecting the principle of transparency and scrutiny of public administrations by their citizens while preserving individuals‘ right to privacy. Accessibility and analysis of information by children and adolescents themselves should be considered. Greater attention is recommended with regard to information collection regarding violence prevention, particularly on risk factors and protection. The same applies to information on forms of response to violence and recovery of victims. The information gathered should not be restricted to quantitative data on the number of violations and the types of violence. Telephone helplines can be seen as an opportunity, as they can serve as an instrument to monitor and compile data on the facts reported and the process followed in response to specific cases (such as the number of cases reported that lead to a formal complaint, and the result, if any). There must also be an increase in the number of monitoring tools, instruments and indicators available. Indicators developed must be grounded in international human rights instruments and incorporate enhanced equivalence and standardization factors, permitting comparison of data between countries and improved monitoring. Children of all ages and ethnicity and in all environments should be taken into account, particularly those incurring the greatest risk. Less visible forms of violence must be identified. It is essential to integrate information databases across all sectors (e.g. education, health, etc.) since it is possible that data from different sectors are not being cross-referenced or jointly analysed. Effective data management is crucial. States should have integrated systems that draw on data generated by prevention, detection and protection services. 32