Human Rights Research on Equality Data

SDG 11 building resilient and inclusive cities: data for local solutions.

SDG 11 calls for cities and human settlements that are inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Yet, economic crises, global pandemics, wars, and the accelerating climate crisis have reshaped migration patterns and deepened social divides. These global developments increasingly endanger social cohesion and threaten the very goals of SDG 11.

Local authorities today face pressing challenges — from rising inequalities and homelessness in large cities to social exclusion and segregation in smaller towns. To strengthen social cohesion and local resilience, municipalities need reliable data that reveal where gaps exist and where change is most needed. Data empowers municipalities to:

  • Take evidence-based decisions;
  • Monitor progress and assess impact;
  • Strengthen advocacy and communication within and beyond the administration.

Why equality data matters

Entities and international organisations — such as the Council of Europe and the European Commission — have defined clear standards for collecting and using equality data. These standards show how reliable, comparable data can uncover exclusion patterns, improve equality policies, and help decision-makers act on real, local needs. 

Equality data give municipalities visibility over hidden forms of discrimination, helping to design, monitor, and adjust policies that promote social inclusion and equal opportunities. In short, equality data make local realities measurable — and change achievable. 

Our offer: linking global expertise with local authorities' information needs

We translate international human rights standards and good practices into practical support for local authorities in need of evidence. We consult municipalities to apply cutting-edge research methods in ways that fit their context — socially, legally, and administratively. We are your partners for:

  • Equality data monitoring (co-funded by the European Commission for ECCAR member cities beginning 2026)
  • Impact assessment and evaluation of municipal measures
  • Legal and methodological guidance on data collection and monitoring
  • Interpretation and visualization of findings

Leave us a message

We support you from start to finish — from designing qualitative or quantitative data collection mechanisms to interpreting results. Together, we ensure that your city’s policies are informed by solid evidence and aligned with human rights standards and SDG 11.

Let’s arrange a meeting to explore your information needs and to tailor our services according to your municipality’s context, capacities and available resources — simply leave us a message.

Our services fulfil local authorities’ information needs at various stages

  • Guidance and awareness-raising on data collection principles
  • Needs assessment and tailored methodological design
  • Data mapping: identifying existing sources and preparing primary data collection
  • Survey and interview instrument development
  • Coaching for local experts conducting data collection
  • Qualitative and quantitative data analysis and interpretation
  • Analytical reporting and communication of findings
  • Thematic workshops and capacity-building curricula on equality data

Proven experience

  • European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA): Since 2008, we have contributed as Austria’s national contact point in the FRANET network, delivering socio‑legal data that inform EU policy on fundamental rights.
  • European Coalition of Cities against Racism (ECCAR): work for the ECCAR Scientific Advisory Council, production of Toolkits for Equality, providing consulting for Member Cities, co-development of Working Group meetings on Equality Data Collection with the ECCAR Working Group on Equality Data Collection.
  • Council of Europe – Georgia Project (2020–2023): We conducted a baseline capacity assessment for local authorities to strengthen participatory democracy and human rights, supporting tailored capacity-building activities.
  • Intersectional Discrimination Studies: Our projects have defined new methods for measuring multiple discrimination and developed data-based recommendations for local authorities, judicial systems, and policy frameworks.

Selected publications