45. Reliable, comparable, and timely data is critical for evidence-based measures to: improve socioeconomic conditions for refugees and host communities; assess and address the impact of large refugee populations on host countries in emergency and protracted situations; and identify and plan appropriate solutions. Relevant data protection and data privacy principles are to be applied with respect to all collection and dissemination of personal data, including the principles of necessity, proportionality, and confidentiality. 

46. To support evidence-based responses, States and relevant stakeholders will, as appropriate, promote the development of harmonized or interoperable standards for the collection, analysis, and sharing of age, gender, disability, and diversity disaggregated data on refugees and returnees.¹⁹ Upon the request of concerned States, support will be provided for the inclusion of refugees and host communities, as well as returnees and stateless persons as relevant, within national data and statistical collection processes; and to strengthen national data collection systems on the situation of refugees and host communities, as well as returnees.

47. Improving data and evidence will also support efforts to achieve solutions. Data and evidence will assist in the development of policies, investments and programmes in support of the voluntary repatriation to and reintegration of returnees in countries of origin. In addition, States, UNHCR, and other relevant stakeholders will work to enable the systematic collection, sharing, and analysis of disaggregated data related to the availability and use of resettlement and complementary pathways for admission of those with international protection needs; and share good practices and lessons learned in this area. 

48. To inform burden- and responsibility-sharing arrangements, UNHCR will coordinate with concerned States and appropriate partners to assist with measuring the impact arising from hosting, protecting and assisting refugees, with a view to assessing gaps in international cooperation and to promoting burden- and responsibility-sharing that is more equitable, predictable and sustainable.²⁰ In 2018, UNHCR will convene technical expertise from international organizations and Member States, and coordinate a technical review of relevant methodologies to build broad consensus on the approach to be taken. The results will be shared and provide the opportunity for formal discussions among States in 2018–2019. The first report will be issued in 2019, coinciding with the first Global Refugee Forum. Subsequent reports will be provided at regular intervals, providing the basis for determining whether there has been progress towards more equitable and predictable burden- and responsibility-sharing in line with para 7 (see also Part IV below).