Defending Dignity A Manual for National Human Rights Institutions on Monitoring Economic, Social and Cultural Rights When using killer facts, make sure to: • Use a reliable and respected data source that is as up to date as possible; be ready to provide sources to media or politicians • Check that the fact cannot be misinterpreted (i.e. that the language is not too convoluted); journalists will attempt to re-write it in plain terms and may accidentally twist your meaning • Check with a statistics expert to make sure you are not making any statistical fallacies • Include the best killer facts in the report’s executive summary and accompanying press release • Plan ahead, as killer facts can take a long time to develop and often involve calculating statistics in a way in which that they are not usually added up. Make sure not to: • Use too many killer facts in one report; focus on the most powerful to prevent overwhelming the reader • Rely on facts that have been overused in the past; keep it contemporary, relevant, and interesting • Use a fact that is not credibly sourced, even if it fits your message. It is not worth damaging your credibility for a quick hit. Killer facts will be particularly effective for engaging audiences like the media and the public. They can also provide useful talking points for politicians and policymakers. 16.4. FOLLOW UP: ENGAGING NATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISMS For the most part, NHRIs do not have the power to enforce the recommendations they make. For this reason, it is crucial to leverage other accountability mechanisms. • Parliamentary committees • Individual parliamentarians • Opposition parties • Constitutional courts • Administrative courts JUDICIAL SOCIAL • Public mobilization • Media • Citizen oversight 158 POLITICAL ADMINISTRATIVE • Codes of conduct • Complaints procedures • Regulatory authorities