PREFACES Message from the NGO Panel for the Global Study Civil society organisations working to promote and protect the rights of children have witnessed first-hand how children’s lives are damaged by detention and confinement. Whether we work on administration of justice, children in the context of migration, children with disabilities, or children and armed conflict, we have seen that far too many children around the world are detained arbitrarily, illegally, and unnecessarily. This deprivation of liberty not only causes great harm to children, but also incurs enormous costs for society. Since the Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted in 1989, States have made significant gains in implementing the rights of the child. Progress is lagging, however, when it comes to the Convention’s requirements regarding deprivation of liberty. Too often, detention is used as the first response to perceived problems, rather than the last resort and for the shortest appropriate period of time, as Article 37b of the Convention prescribes. Non-custodial solutions are often underutilised or greatly lacking. Over 170 non-governmental organisations around the world have worked to support the Global Study on Children Deprived of Liberty and Professor Nowak’s efforts to expose the scope and impact of deprivation of liberty on children. We have contributed our research, consulted with children, mobilised Government support, served on the Study’s Advisory Board, and participated in or even organised some of the Study’s expert, regional, and thematic consultations. We believe that like previous UN studies on children, this Study can have a powerful catalytic effect by assessing the reality of the current situation, identifying effective solutions to detention, and providing a roadmap to change. We hope that it will prompt new laws, policies, and practices and help States dramatically reduce the number of children behind bars and locked doors. We are grateful to Professor Nowak and his team for their tireless efforts. We also warmly thank the members of the Advisory Board, as well as all the members of the NGO Panel who contributed their time on a pro bono basis to support the Study and to make it happen. We know that this Study is only the beginning of a process. We are committed to work with Member States, the United Nations, and other stakeholders to implement the Study’s recommendations. We are committed to a future where no child is deprived of liberty and all children can live to their fullest potential. Jo Becker Children’s Rights Advocacy Director Human Rights Watch Co-Chair, Global Study NGO Panel X Alex Kamarotos Executive Director Defence for Children International Co-Chair, Global Study NGO Panel