There were 261,200 child prisoners worldwide in 2020. Where were the most?

Children in conflict with the law can be detained by the police. According to UNICEF data, globally, there were 261,200 children in detention in 2020.

Latin America and the Caribbean had the highest number of children in detention, reaching 50,300. This was followed by East and Southern Africa with 48,600 child detainees.

Next, there were 44,900 children in detention in South Asia. East Asia and the Pacific and North America had 40,700 and 32,200 children in detention, respectively.

Children in conflict with the law are guaranteed protection and their fundamental rights through various international and regional instruments. In reality, many children remain in detention, and their rights are neglected.

Children in detention are also vulnerable to psychological conditions, unhealthy social interactions during detention, and are at risk of physical and sexual violence.