Mission

The Global Study is only a first step to draw the attention of States and the international community to a phenomenon that has largely been ignored in the past: that millions of children of all ages are suffering in many different types of detention in violation of international law, and that we are depriving these children of their childhood and of their future. Depriving children of liberty means to expose them to a form of structural violence, while States have committed themselves in the Agenda 2030 to end all forms of violence against children. This Global Study will hopefully contribute to the ultimate goal of the Agenda 2030 to leave no one behind and, in particular, to leave no child behind bars. 

The Global Study was a true joint effort between Governments, United Nations agencies and bodies, other international and regional organisations, civil society organisations, the academic community and children with the aim to address the information gap and justifications by States to detain children, be it in principle and in practice, as well as to identify non-custodial solutions preventing deprivation of liberty and protecting children. 

Children deprived of liberty have diverse backgrounds and identities but also face similar situations and experiences. In order to better understand the commonalities and differences throughout all situations of deprivation of children, the Global Study was informed not only through desk-based research but also through primary data collection, thematic, national and regional consultations, expert meetings and direct consultations with children across all world regions.