Data validation
Validating the data is a crucial step in safeguarding the quality of the work that is published on the Data Repository. The tool has a built-in mechanism which only allows the data to be published once it has undergone at least one level of review. The review process is a user’s responsibility.
The tool’s host and Steering Committee are not responsible for the quality nor the veracity of the data inputted into the tool. The institutions, organizations, and groups collecting the data own the sole responsibility for the data and data collection process.
The tool has features intended to maximize the quality of the data and therefore the trust in the data collected. This entails a review process at two levels to ensure that:
- There is a correct reference to the data source in each response (e.g., weblinks to news page, databases, etc.)
- The data inserted is accurate (matches the data source)
- There is no personal data in display in any response
The modalities for review are:
- Internal quality review (first level): all data inserted by the data collector or respondents must be reviewed by another member of their own institution, organization, or group. This review is mandatory.
- External quality review (second level): all data is reviewed by a relevant and independent external actor. This can be e.g., the National Human Rights Institution, the national branch of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), a national committee or expert group with a mandate on the subject, a global committee of experts.
The data collector has the (recommended) option to publish the data collected on the tool’s website for public view in the form of a report. When the data is published, a disclaimer is featured in the report indicating the level of review undertaken in the given data collection process.
For the data to be published, it is a requirement that it passes at least the first level of review. This means that the system will not allow the data to be published unless an internal review takes place. Although it is not mandatory, it is highly recommended for all data collectors to pursue the second level review. An external review enhances the trust in the data and is also an opportunity for the data collector to build new or strengthen existing data partnerships with relevant actors.
OBSERVATION:
The Steering Committee of the tool may perform data analysis and publish global reports featuring the data published on the website. In that case, it will prioritize using data which has been through the second level of review. It may also seek funds/capacity to enable the second level of review for specific data when relevant. The Committee will include a (prominent) disclaimer when using data which has undertaken only the first level of review.