Evaluating compliance using quantitative methods and indicators: lessons from the human rights measurement framework

There is growing interest in the application of quantitative methods and indicators as a basis for evaluating compliance with human rights standards. This article contributes to the emerging body of literature in this area by examining how quantitative methods and indicators are being applied as a basis for evaluating human rights compliance in England, Scotland and Wales. Using the Human Rights Measurement Framework (HRMF) as an entry-point I illustrate how quantitative methods and indicators can be systematically combined with qualitative information and case law analysis in order to build up a comprehensive information base for evaluating human rights. The limitations of quantification are also discussed. I suggest that quantitative evidence should often be regarded as a partial rather than a complete information base for human rights evaluation and judgement