Assessment

The analysis of gathered data can be performed unilaterally at the national level, or multilaterally by the international organization responsible for collecting the data. The determination of non-compliance is the prerogative of the State parties. After a determination of non-compliance, the dispute can be referred to a compliance mechanism. (Lexicon, p. 225-226)

The ability to detect and assess accurately non-compliance depends on factors such as the nature of the obligations, the precision of the language by which they are expressed, the monitoring means included in the agreements, the compliance history of the parties and analytic capabilities. The integration of information from various sources and the degree of access that inspectors have to areas of concern will also be factors. While international bodies may be mandated to verify compliance, ultimate responsibility for making compliance assessments rests with States parties. (A/61/1028, para. 19, p. 13)