B. P rinciples of monitoring Standards set by the United Nations There are a variety of publications documenting the monitoring function. Of particular importance is the above-mentioned Training Manual on Human Rights Monitoring. It lists 19 principles that should govern the way in which human rights monitoring is carried out. While all are important, the following are especially relevant to the work of an NHRI: ■■ Do no harm; ■■ Know the standards; ■■ Accuracy and precision; and ■■ Impartiality, integrity, objectivity and professionalism. (These are listed separately in the Manual, but grouped here for convenience.) “Do no harm” is arguably the most important principle that applies to the work of a human rights monitor. It is directly linked to others such as credibility, confidentiality and security. Briefly put, the principle means that the human rights monitor should never act in a way that places another in potential harm. The requirement to “know the standards” means that monitors must have a thorough understanding of the international or national rights norms against which they are measuring performance. Each individual involved in the monitoring exercise must also have the same interpretation of those standards, especially if data are being collected separately. The monitors and the institution on whose behalf the exercise is being undertaken must also agree on the nature and meaning of these standards. The findings presented after monitoring must be accurate and precise. Knowing the standards being applied helps ensure this. In addition, the method used to collect data must support accuracy and precision, and the monitor must ensure and verify, where necessary, that the data collected are accurate. With regard to data collection, those involved in monitoring have developed the concept of controlled vocabulary, so that they all collect and code information in the same way. “Impartiality, integrity, objectivity and professionalism” are interrelated and require monitors to apply the highest possible standards when collecting and analysing data and presenting the results. Monitoring: a programme activity Generally, the monitoring carried out by an institution should be: ■■ Managed (planned, resourced, controlled and evaluated); ■■ Ongoing, regular; ■■ Usually cyclical; ■■ Proactive, while responding to priorities; and ■■ Focused on results. There may be occasions when circumstances force an institution to carry out unplanned, and one-off, monitoring, but this should be the exception rather than the rule. Most monitoring activities follow predictable, and cyclic, steps. First, the institution identifies the monitoring priorities. This requires it to understand the country’s human rights priorities, as well as the opportunities and risks that exist, identify and understand the 114