On the Use of Population Data Systems to Target Vulnerable Population Subgroups for Human Rights Abuses

Abstract

"The paper summarizes a body of research on how population data systems, particularly population registration systems and population censuses, have been misused in different countries to target vulnerable population subgroups for human rights abuses, including genocide, crimes against humanity, and forced migration. The targeted groups have been defined in terms of race/ethnicity, national origin, mother tongue, and social class. The paper does not deal with the broad topic of government investigations for security purposes, but only with those situations where population data systems needed to collect statistical data are misused to target vulnerable groups or individuals. Such misuses often lead to public distrust of the national statistical system and make it difficult to gather complete and reliable data for planning and development efforts. The paper also discusses several safeguards that governments and national statistical offices can use to reduce both the likelihood of such misuse or its harm if it does take place."