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I should like to follow up on a couple of comments below that deal with gathering evidence and refining and disaggregating indicators in order to expose and act on discrimination, in line with the opening quote, that discrimination must be fully exposed, but also with another of Tomasevski’s signature quotes: “being counted means that you count and that someone cares”.
 
Thalia spoke about the challenge posed by the “lack of reliable data and regular & consistent monitoring mechanisms. Lack of comprehensive planning and formulation of clear objectives and indicators. Unawareness of complexity and pitfalls” (see Tuesday – 09:28), and Angela wrote of the need to name and identify various manifestations of discrimination (acknowledging that no list is exhaustive), thereby giving us a tool to measure the State’s compliance with its obligation to non-discrimination and to respect, protect and fulfil everyone’s rights (see Monday – 12:25). It also follows Carl’s succinct intervention earlier today: “the needs of minority populations is proper assessment and baseline. Youth, especially minorities, articulate their desire for 'education' . In most cases, this has not been disaggregated to understand and quantify[...]” (see Wednesday, 18:28)
 
However, how do we identify those groups that society itself cannot identify? What do we do with children who have no birth certificate, cannot be counted and therefore do not count? Or those children with disability, where the family, out of shame and fear of stigma, hides the child away when the census comes? This is not the State per se who violates. But can the State and International Community legislate on this effectively?
 
This also speaks to Bruce’s extremely interesting reflections on the very nature of discrimination, what is it and who defines discrimination (see Monday – 17:55), indeed, who has the power to define and thus to deny, as Vincent points out (see Monday – 18:19).
 
Indicators are therefore crucial to expose and oppose discrimination. There are currently efforts, both by the OHCHR and by the RTE Project, to define new rights-based indicators, to assist the international monitoring bodies, but also emphasizing participation and accountability to both place pressure on governments and help them improve their laws and policies in a participatory way.
 
In your opinion, what would be sensible and effective indicators for exposing discrimination, at national and at class-room level?