Human Rights Issues in South Africa (The Adolescent's Perspective) In the eyes of the law, South Africa's law is above reproach, having previously succeeded in providing Citizens South Africans with basic services. Currently, with all the corruption taking place within government, citizens' rights are questionable, even more questionable are the implications of fundamental rights for the youth of South Africa. Having said that, the five most pressing issues in my opinion are: • Every individual has the right to life • The right to adequate food, medical care and conditions in prison • The right to education • The right to electricity and clean water • Freedom of expression Everyone has the right to life: this right means that every human being has the right to life and this right cannot be violated by another human being. This right, due to high crime, the recent implication of abortion and increasing rates of neglect, is often violated. Right to adequate nutrition, medical care and conditions in prison: This right has an outline that states that your basic needs (food, water, shelter, etc.) must be met even if you are in prison or in of process. This right in South Africa is considered a privilege, although it is fundamental to the existence of every human being. This right is often violated by corrupt police, who take advantage of prisoners and their situation. An episode of Carte Blanch recently aired which showed the world the conditions South African prisoners live in, which explains 14.6% of prison deaths. Often prisoners are left to starve or fed every 2 days if they are lucky, they bathe in open showers in large numbers to degrade themselves, prison cells use toilet water as the same water to give to prisoners. Prisoners can be raped or injured while officers on duty look on as if nothing is happening. This then begins to violate the law that “prisons must be well-ordered communities: where there is no danger to life, health or personal integrity.” By closing prisons in South Africa we take advantage of the fact that under our Constitution prisoners lose their "privilege" rights and do not care for prisoners to minimum standards. Right to free basic education: