Methodology & Verification
Every number in the tracker comes from public research, academic estimates and our own verified database. Below is how the data and time coverage work.
Data sources
Figures are built from published academic research, human-rights organisation reports, court and government documents, and individually verified case records. Each category traces back to named sources.
Time coverage
The total covers 1949 to the present. Some sub-figures only cover specific year ranges because of source limitations; those limits are noted on each entry.
Verification process
Tips and individual cases must be confirmed by at least two independent sources, or supported by primary documents or footage, before publication. Anything unconfirmed is neither published nor counted.
Corrections
When we find an error we correct it and note the update time on the article. Send corrections through the Contact or Tip-Off pages.