Global Prison Trends 2022

With the dearth of data in many prison systems, Global Prison Trends is pivotal in bringing to light the information that is available to identify and highlight key trends affecting the 11.5 million people in prisons worldwide. Data and information are critical in the global struggles facing societies, especially in managing crises as seen with the COVID-19 pandemic or as conflict breaks out. Data is also vital in challenging exclusion, realising human rights of those most left
behind and keeping governments true to their commitments under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As the global prison population rises year-on-year, we see the need for stronger action to reform policies and laws that drive this growth. These outdated policies and laws counter both longstanding and recent commitments to reduce imprisonment and implement rehabilitative-focused criminal justice systems.