A/71/301 Gathering data/knowledge base 35. As the Special Rapporteur emphasized in his previous report to the General Assembly (A/70/335), the collection of ethnically disaggregated data is an essential tool in gathering evidence of occurrences of racial discrimination; evaluating the situation of groups that are discriminated against; assessing the effectiveness of the measures taken; monitoring progress made; and deciding on special measures t o correct the situation. Disaggregated data are key to setting evidence -based targets and designing appropriate and effective anti-discrimination legislation, policies and programmes. Therefore, it is crucial that national specialized bodies be given the mandate and the appropriate tools to collect disaggregated statistics, together with national statistical agencies. The Special Rapporteur further recalls the importance of collecting disaggregated data as one of the indicators for monitoring progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals adopted in September 2015 by the General Assembly in its resolution 70/1. 36. The Special Rapporteur notes that in the European handbook on equality data,17 national specialized bodies are required to collect quantitative and qualitative information in order to be able to perform their monitoring functions. European Union directive 2000/43/EC also requires national specialized bodies to conduct “independent surveys concerning discrimination”. The United Nations human rights treaty bodies have frequently called upon States to collect data on equality and discrimination, as has the Special Rapporteur, for example, in his previous report to the General Assembly. 37. The Special Rapporteur emphasizes, in particular, that data are needed to guide and support policy development and implementation. Statistics are also needed in the different judicial processes, as it is sometimes difficult, if not impossible, to prove discrimination in the absence of empirical evidence. In labour issues, statistics are needed by government agencies and businesses that want to ensure that their employment policies and practices comply with employment and non-discrimination laws. Other stakeholders would also benefit from the existence of benchmark data, such as for the labour market, against which to compare their own results. Qualitative and quantitative data are also needed for sensitizing and awareness-raising purposes. Scientific evidence on the extent and nature of discrimination can serve as a compelling, factual baseline for national discussion on equality and discrimination. Finally, equality data are needed as an indispensable resource for researchers in order to develop and implement more effective equality and anti-discriminatory policies. The Special Rapporteur is pleased to note that several national specialized bodies have a mandate to gather equality data specifically. This is the case, for example, in Norway, 18 Germany 19 and Denmark. 20 2. Thematic coverage by national specialized bodies 38. The Special Rapporteur is aware of the wide range of issues that national specialized bodies have to address, whether through complaints or through promotional work. Some of the issues to which they are asked to attend relate to __________________ 17 18 19 20 10/21 European Commission, European handbook on equality data (Brussels, 2007). See www.ssb.no/en/befolkning. See www.destatis.de/EN/Homepage.html. See www.dst.dk/en. 16-13565