Monitoring means the close observation of a situation or individual case carried out so as to determine what further action needs to be taken. The following elements constitute monitoring:
- It is carried out over an extended period of time.
- It involves collecting or receiving a large quantity of data.
- Close observation of the situation is done through constant or periodic examination or investigation and documentation of developments.
- Standards or norms are used as reference in objectively assessing the situation or case in question, especially in determining what is wrong with it.
- Tools or instruments are used in identifying how the situation compares with established standards or norms.
- The product of monitoring is usually a report about the situation.
- The report embodies an assessment of the situation which provides a basis for further action.
Human rights monitoring can have the following particular purposes:
- to assist governments in applying international standards;
- to be able to pressure governments into adopting and implementing international standards;
- to be able to undertake domestic legal actions like taking cases to court;
- to be able to undertake other actions like denunciations and publicity campaigns, with the goal of bearing pressure on the government and/or to enhance public awareness
- to be able to help particular victims; and
- to be able to provide early warning in potential conflict areas.
To read more on Monitoring, please refer to the HURIDOCS book on What is Monitoring?