A/65/295 and involve them closely in the elaboration and implementation of policies and programmes designed to combat racism. D. Collection of ethnically disaggregated data 51. The collection of ethnically disaggregated data is an issue which has been raised on several occasions by the Special Rapporteur since he was appointed in August 2008. For instance, he addressed this issue in his report submitted to the eleventh session of the Human Rights Council (see A/HRC/11/36, paras. 20-27). The issue was also the subject of a written contribution made in the context of a seminar on data collection and the use of indicators to promote and monitor racial equality and non-discrimination, which was organized by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 3-5 May 2010, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 10 52. In his contribution, the Special Rapporteur recalled that the collection of ethnically disaggregated data and indicators was a key prerequisite of any action aimed at tackling the socio-economic vulnerability of persons belonging to ethnic or national minorities. He emphasized that it was an essential tool to identify the persons and groups affected by racial discrimination and to better understand the nature and extent of the inequalities they face. Such data are then important to design appropriate and effective anti-discrimination legislation, policies and programmes that take into consideration the situation of vulnerability of certain individuals and groups of individuals. In some situations, ethnically disaggregated data and indicators are a precondition for the recognition of the existence of certain groups within a country. Moreover, the Special Rapporteur stressed that such data and indicators also allow States to assess and monitor the effectiveness of the measures taken. 53. Nonetheless, the Special Rapporteur stated that he was aware of the reluctance by many States to collect ethnically disaggregated data. In that regard, he highlighted concerns of States relating to the fact that the collection of such data may aggravate tensions between individuals and groups of individuals by exacerbating differences; lead to further prejudice and stereotypes concerning certain groups of individuals; or be misused for racist and exclusionary policies. In addition, collection of this type of data may conflict with individuals’ human rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular the right to privacy and the protection of personal data. 54. While acknowledging the above-mentioned potential risks and dangers that the collection of ethnically disaggregated data may entail, the Special Rapporteur takes the view that those problems may be overcome if States abide by some key principles, including self-identification, the right to privacy and protection of personal data, and the involvement of relevant stakeholders. 55. In line with general recommendation VIII of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, self-identification should constitute a pillar of the collection of ethnically disaggregated data. It is related to respect for the rights of individuals to assert their own identity. While implementing this principle may lead __________________ 10 10-48481 Available from http://www2.ohchr.org/english/issues/racism/rapporteur/docs/ Contribution_ethnically_disaggregated_data_BrazilMay2010.pdf. 13