Acknowledgments
The Global Study on Children Deprived of Liberty has benefited from the support of
numerous actors and key stakeholders. I wish to thank hundreds of dedicated individuals
for their contributions to this global project. Without the indispensable support and
contributions from UN Member States, UN Agencies, Academic Institutions, NGOs and many
other actors (who all worked for the most part on a pro-bono basis), the Global Study would
not have been possible. The contributions of these key players not only made this Study a
reality, but also created a new momentum for children’s rights worldwide – in particular for
children deprived of liberty.
Friends of the Global Study
My deepest appreciation and gratitude go to all the Member States that have responded to
the questionnaire. The information that you provided forms a core element of the Study’s
process and has given us invaluable insights into the situation of children deprived of
liberty worldwide. Thank you.
I would also like to particularly thank the friends of the Global Study, who supported our
work with financial contributions. Without such generous support, it would have been
impossible to embark on such a comprehensive and crucially needed research endeavour:
Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Malta, Qatar, Switzerland, the European Union, UNICEF,
the Right Livelihood Award Foundation and another private foundation.
The friends of the Global Study also include other Governments that have supported the
Study throughout this process in particular by hosting regional consultations: Ethiopia,
South Africa, Thailand and Uruguay.
Finally, the international law firm DLA Piper provided valuable and appreciated probono services.
UN Task Force Members and Colleagues
I am indebted to all the members of the UN Task Force and several other colleagues at the
United Nations. Thank you for your support, insights and unflinching willingness to help
make the Study possible:
Special Representative of the Secretary General on Violence against Children (SRSG VAC)
and Chair of the UN Inter-Agency Task Force: SRSG VAC Najat MAALLA M’JID, former SRSG
VAC Marta SANTOS PAIS, Sanna KÄKI and Ann-Kristin VERVIK.
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