The number of refugee children in detention centres in 12 countries fell by 14 per cent over the past two years, according to a report launched by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

The study details achievements made by countries that have adopted a UNHCR strategy aimed at ending the detention of asylum seekers and refugees.

The countries were Canada, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States and Zambia.

However, the report shows progress has been mixed in ensuring alternatives to detention are available, or that conditions meet international standards in cases where detention is necessary and unavoidable.

Mamadou Alpha Diallo asked UNHCR spokesperson William Spindler what’s behind the drop in numbers.

Duration: 2’55”