Ethics in statistical reporting

Statistical work should be impartial, and be based on concepts, sources, methods and procedures that meet professional scientific standards and are transparent to the users

The headline in one of our leading newspapers recently blared: “Global Index: Over 8 million people live in modern slavery in India”. If you read the story, you find referenced a report by a global NGO, Walk Free Foundation. The Foundation has been producing reports on modern slavery for some years now; its work has attracted greater attention of late, in part because the ILO recently co-published its Global Slavery Index. Another factor increasing interest in the Foundation’s work is the Sustainable Development Goals. Goal 8 on “Decent Work and Economic Growth” has a target stating “Take immediate and effective