Human Rights Watch Report On Sexual Violence And HIV In South Africa

In the case of child rape, the guardians of the child must give permission before treatment to prevent HIV transmission can be administered. This is a particular problem in a country where many children are orphans living without the benefit of a legal guardian and where cultural taboos and myths about HIV often cause guardians to forbid treatment.

The report, while damning of mistakes past and present of the South African government, also points out where South Africa has been successful in the fight against HIV transmission. It points out that South Africa can set a very important good example by moving forward on the issues raised in the report and makes several recommendations not just to the government of South Africa, but to other governments and groups who are involved.

The full report can be found on-line at Deadly Delay: South Africa’s Efforts to Prevent HIV in Survivors of Sexual Violence