It is estimated that more than 10.2 million people are detained in prisons around the world. With the global population exceeding 7 billion, this means that for every 100,000 people, 144 are detained or imprisoned. The prison population has increased proportionately over the past 15 years, outpacing growth in the general population by 10%. This phenomenon is becoming increasingly evident with countries, like the United States, grappling with colossal incarceration rates and countless reports of appalling conditions and inhumane treatment across the globe. Furthermore, these statistics do not include the countless numbers of people arbitrarily placed in “administrative” detention in countries like China and North Korea. It is difficult to view incarceration as an international crisis. It is much more difficult to empathize with a suspected criminal than with an innocent child, but it is very likely that this criminal was once an innocent child. When considering a particular prisoner or detainee, it is common to view their situation as a personal problem, or when a country has a high incarceration rate, it is common to view it as a personal problem. a national problem; when this scourge affects many countries, it is an international problem that does not currently receive the attention it deserves. Furthermore, it is an international problem, especially when human rights and international treaties are violated. This article will examine six United Nations General Assembly documents that address the rights of incarcerated people and the implementation, or lack thereof, of these texts in three key countries, the People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation... middle of document... August 30, 1955)13. United Nations Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (December 16, 1966)14. United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (December 10, 1984)15. United Nations Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons under Any Form of Detention (9 December 1988)16. United Nations Basic Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners (December 14, 1990)17. Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Reporting Status for the People's Republic of China18. Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Reporting Status for the Russian Federation19. United States Department of State, Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2013.20 Venters et al. “Solitary confinement and the risk of self-harm among prisoners” Research and practice (March 2014