Stolen Futures: The impact of corruption on children

Children are an integral part of our society. They are the foundations of future generations. Corruption is one of the greatest evils of our time in the words of H.E Muhamadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Champion of the African Anti-Corruption Year corruption “deprives our young citizens of the opportunity to develop meaningful livelihoods.” This statement was made by President Buhari on January 29, 2018, on the occasion of the launch of the African Anti-Corruption Year at the AU Summit.

The conceptualization of this study follows the declaration of 2018 as the African AntiCorruption Year on the theme “Wining the Fight Against Corruption: A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation.” It addresses the need to assess the impact of corruption on children from a uniquely African lens.

It is my hope that governments, policy-makers, researchers and child-rights campaigners will utilize the study and its policy recommendations in their work.

I would like to thank the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, the nongovernmental organisation Plan International and other child focused agencies working with the African Union for their invaluable support in realizing this study. Let us all ensure we create a safer and more prosperous future that is free of corruption for our children.

Hon. Bégoto MIAROM Chairperson
African Union Advisory Board on Corruption