In 2017 the UN General Assembly adopted the Global Indicator Framework to support implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Sustainable Development Goal 16.1 is ‘to significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere’. This includes homicide as well as direct and indirect deaths resulting from armed conflict. OHCHR is the custodian agency responsible for monitoring deaths from armed conflict under SDG indicator 16.1.2 – Number of conflict-related deaths per 100,000 population, by sex, age and cause.
Together with states leading work on SDG 16.1, statistical agencies, and other interested parties, OHCHR developed an initial methodology and guidance note for reporting on SDG indicator 16.1.2 (available below). These remain subject to further development as experience and expertise in the field develops, particularly in relation to recording indirect deaths. In 2020, data on SDG indicator 16.1.2 was published in the UN Secretary General’s annual report for the first time.
To coincide with the launch of reporting on SDG indicator 16.1.2, OHCHR also published its own Guidance on Casualty Recording (available below). The Guidance aims to support the collection of more casualty data for reporting on SDG indicator 16.1.2. Like Every Casualty’s Standards for Casualty Recording, OHCHR’s guidance stresses the importance of a robust and transparent methodology. The type of methodology followed in the Guidance is closely based on the casualty recording approach used by OHCHR field offices for advocacy purposes.
More information about OHCHR’s work on the Sustainable Development Goals, including contact details, is available here.
