Part II Collecting and analysing data When relevant data is not publicly available, it may be necessary to subpoena information or file an access to information request. Many NHRIs have the power to subpoena their Government for any documents or information that fall under their mandate or competency. Additionally, it might be possible to file an official access to information request in an attempt to obtain relevant documents. At the international level, sources of secondary international data include UNDP, the World Bank, the World Health Organization and many others. Some important sources exist at the regional level, for example, UN Regional Economic Commissions (UN ESCAP in the Asia Pacific region). It is important to note that there may be differences in the data provided by international databases and that of national databases. Where possible, comparing government statistics and reports with those of the international community or civil society organizations can help ensure reliability, as well as identify discrepancies in the form of conflicting information or interpretations. HELPFUL TIP The World Bank’s DataBank is an analysis and visualisation tool that contains collections of World Bank data on a variety of topics. You can use DataBank to generate your own datasets, tables, charts, and even maps and easily save, embed, and share them. To learn how to use DataBank, watch the online Tutorial at http://databank.worldbank.org/data/FAQ/Video/databank-tutorial-overview.html CASE STUDY: NEW ZEALAND DATA FUTURES FORUM The New Zealand Human Rights Commission (NZHRC) has been involved with the New Zealand Data Futures Forum, a national initiative that explores how business, government, researchers and the public can safely share data and use it to build a prosperous New Zealand. The Forum has issued recommendations for the creation of a data ecosystem, built on the principles of value, inclusion, trust and control. These include: • to establish an independent data council to advise government and data users on data ethics • to invest in skilled data scientists and innovators • to determine levels of privacy to provide stronger options for data correction and opting out, and • to raise public awareness and capacity in relation to data. For the NZHRC, the Data Futures initiative raises important human rights questions in terms of what gets measured and how. On the one hand, more data makes it possible to measure ESCR-related issues with greater specificity. On the other hand, the collection and use of data must respect the right to privacy. Chapter 6: Finding secondary data | 63