Filling the Gaps: Using a Rights-Based Approach to Address HIV/AIDS and its Affects on South African Children, Youth and Families

to appear in International Institute for Child Rights and Development

IICRD and ICAD

Published: January 2001

Keywords: HIV, AIDS, South African, children, families, youth, community, CRC,, Human Rights, Global Health, Child Abuse

Abstract:

A continuum of care and support for vulnerable children affected/infected by HIV/AIDS that incorporates children’s rights, participation, and culture is greatly needed with the ongoing spread of this deadly virus and all of its social ramifications. South Africa continues to battle with issues of poverty, crime, rape, migration, drug and alcohol abuse, and lack of birth registration, and hence basic services. There is however, a significant growth in innovative local and national programs supporting vulnerable children. Similarly, Southern Africa's developing democracies hold great promise for taking the CRC
from ratification to implementation. It is hoped that these guidelines will help organisations maximise support for children and youth at risk and facilitate the changes that are required to ensure that present gaps in care and support
for children affected by HIV/AIDS can be filled. Only then, will the concerns of children be heard, considered, and responded to within the circle of the human family.

Disciplines: Child Rights

Publication: http://web.uvic.ca/iicrd/graphics/filling%20the%20gaps%20web.pdf