4.4.1 Conclusion on data collection and monitoring

Disaggregated data are indispensable for inclusive humanitarian action. Many organizations have already started to collect data on age, gender and disability to respond to donor demands. Some of them have also worked on barriers and facilitators assessments. Still, respondents could not specify how they use such data for inclusive humanitarian programming. Interview partners point out that a comprehensive strategy for systematic data collection at the national and humanitarian coordination level would facilitate the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the society and the humanitarian response. However, it is important that organizations also collect their own data for inclusive programming and do not only rely on a comprehensive, country-wide strategy. Experts on the situation in South Sudan believe that a strategy for data collection at the coordination level is neither feasible in such a complex emergency context nor explicitly recommended in the IASC Guidelines. However, inter-cluster data management working groups could agree on certain standards, including the use of the Washington Group Short Set of Questions in needs assessments.21 On a positive note, some national surveys already integrate the Washington Group Short Set of Questions, although these surveys are only a first step and require consistent follow-up.