In regard to the use of IBGE data by UNDP for the compilation of the Human Development Index - HDI, IBGE clarifies that:

1 - On September 23, 2002, IBGE received a letter from UNESCO requesting data on literacy, particularly from the 2000 Population Census.

The letter requested literally: "...As part of the ongoing cooperation with your country, we would very much like to receive more detailed literacy statistics from the latest population census, so that the UNESCO Institute for Statistics can quickly revise, update and disseminate the literacy estimates so as to reflect the reality in Brazil. We would therefore be very grateful if you could kindly provide us the year 2000 population census data on the number of literates and illiterates by gender and by five-years age-groups (for 15-19, 20-24,..., 65 + years old) as well as data on educational attainment".

2 - According to our policy of immediate assistance to our users, the Department of Population and Social Indicators of IBGE developed a table as requested and sent it to UNESCO on October 23, 2002. At that opportunity, IBGE informed that the table on literacy and illiteracy was based on information from the 2000 Population Census, Universe Results, and that the tables on educational level achieved by the population would be sent later, once they relied on the micro data of the 2000 Census, scheduled to be released on November 2002.

3 - As happens with any request from an international organization, IBGE provided the information to UNESCO according to the user´s request.

4 - As an information producer, it is not the role of IBGE to ask the user when or how the data will be used. When requested, IBGE can guide the users on how to best use our database.

5 - Almost two years after the original request, a number of other statistical information was produced and widely disseminated by IBGE, certainly of knowledge of UNESCO and UNDP.