Overview of Human Rights in South Africa

Democracy in South Africa is a mere 12 years-old. Despite progress, the government still faces the daunting task of effectively dealing with human rights abuses that plague the country.

In 2005, security forces were responsible for the deaths of over 300 suspects, detainees and innocent bystanders. Beatings, torture, excessive violence, and shootings are all actions responsible for those deaths. 

Prison conditions inside of South Africa are poor and overcrowding is a serious issue. Overcrowding has led to an increase in sexual assaults and gang violence within the prison population.

Juveniles also continue to be incarcerated while awaiting trial and are often the victims of sexual abuse, violent acts, and/or gang related activity - a direct conflict with international legal requirements stating that juveniles should only be detained as a last resort.

In the last decade South Africa has seen an increase in the number of refugees entering the country. However, delays in the refugee status determination process, corruption, and other issues such as inadequate procedures for minors seeking asylum who are unaccompanied by adults all make implementing the 1998 Refugees Act difficult.

Poverty is rampant in South Africa, especially in rural areas. This has been the source of many problems such as inadequate access to health care and social services. Public school for children in poor rural areas is also a concern. Often schools are too far away for children to attend without facing threats of violence and/or sexual assault. Unsafe buildings and lack of space, water, resources, and sanitation affect the ability of schools to provide a proper environment and necessary resources for children to learn and thrive.  

Human Development Index (HDI) Rank:

121st out of 177

Note: Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite index that measures the level of well-being of nations in the world. It uses factors such as poverty, literacy, life-expectancy, education, gross domestic product, and purchasing power parity to assess the average achievements in each nation. It has been used in the United Nation’s Human Development Report since 1993.