Number of children in detention
No one knows how many children are deprived of their liberty around the world. Global statistics on children in detention are limited and have not been collected in a comparable form. To make better use of what is available, CRIN has compiled information published on the number of children detained in the criminal justice system to highlight the available information as well as the gaps. These statistics do not include children detained in immigration facilities, care institutions, drug treatment centres or mental health facilities.
These figures have been taken from information that is available from national statistical bodies, ministries of justice, the United Nations Organisation on Drugs and Crime, through the UN Treaty Body reporting procedure, as part of the World Prison Brief and through the publications of NGOs.
You can explore the data, divided by region:
All sources used in the compilation of this information are referenced and links are included. If you are aware of any errors or inaccuracies in this information, please contact us at contact@crin.org.