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For too long children of incarcerated persons in Nigeria have remained the silent victims of a criminal justice system focused on retribution. Given the absence of adequate social welfare systems, these children are highly susceptible to various forms of abuse. In some cases, they become instruments in the hands of criminal organizations for perpetuation of crime and violence within the Nigerian society. This research piece aims at giving these children a voice and stoking the flames of advocacy necessary to bring about the much desired institutional reforms that will ensure their adequate protection.

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Osude Uju is an International Relations Graduate with a Masters Degree in International Law and Diplomacy. She is working as a Programme Manager in the Research Department of Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA).

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