A/HRC/60/66 Annex Expert Mechanism Advice No. 18 (2025): Right of Indigenous Peoples to data, including with regard to data collection and disaggregation 1. The Expert Mechanism provides the following advice regarding the right of Indigenous Peoples to data, including with regard to the collection and disaggregation of data, which are key to the effective implementation of the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Recommendations by other United Nations expert mechanisms are all relevant to the topic and should be taken note of by all parties. 2. States should collect and disaggregate data on Indigenous Peoples with their full and effective participation and respecting their self-determination and self-governance. 3. States should develop data-processing algorithms to enable Indigenous Peoples to exercise their distinct collective rights as enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including their rights regarding lands, territories, resources, cultures, Indigenous determinants of health, languages, decision-making and free, prior and informed consent, self-governance, development, and data governance and sovereignty. 4. Indigenous data should be collected, processed and governed in alignment with methods appropriate for Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous Peoples should have access to the data collected and participate in their analysis and interpretation in a manner respectful of their traditional knowledge, culture and decision-making systems. In their data-collection policies, States should address language, remoteness, technology and digital divide gaps. State-run data-collection and data storage systems should not prevent Indigenous Peoples from shaping their own culturally and ethically appropriate data-collection methodologies and mechanisms. Both State and Indigenous Peoples’ data systems should supplement each other and advance well-being and the self-determined development of Indigenous Peoples. During the collection of statistical data, the decision of individuals to self-identify as belonging to Indigenous Peoples should be respected. 5. States should enable Indigenous Peoples, including Indigenous women, to participate during the planning, design and use of statistical and monitoring data-collection instruments. Data-collection personnel for the population census should be well trained and include Indigenous representatives to ensure non-discrimination and that the data collected correspond to the reality. 6. States should include Indigenous Peoples in and build the capacity of national statistical bodies and/or ensure the participation of Indigenous Peoples in data collection among Indigenous Peoples to enhance transparency and respect for Indigenous values in data practice. 7. States should harmonize the work of government agencies collecting data and avoid duplication. States should also ensure the effective participation of Indigenous Peoples in the processes of production, dissemination and analysis of information, including in the context of artificial intelligence systems and in the information technology developer community, which is key to improving the quality of data and avoiding algorithmic biases. 8. Data, especially personal data, information related to sacred sites and traditional knowledge, should be protected. Indigenous Peoples should have adequate education in and access to technology to participate in data collection in remote territories. 9. States should invest in building the capacity and skills of professionals involved in the collection, storage, systematization and disaggregation of data, including the capacity on Indigenous Peoples’ rights. Appropriate conditions should be created for data collection, storage and access, including by using digital technologies and artificial GE.25-12012 17