“In most African countries customary, rather than civil law is still the first resort of most citizens.” ( Document 1) Many Africans live in rural areas and are governed by customary law. “Lack of social cohesion, conflict, and underdevelopment have undermined the development of a strong civil society and the vibrant, independent and committe

Africa is the hardest region hit by AIDS. No country in Africa has escaped the virus and millions have died. The epidemic has left 14 million African orphans. The effect of AIDS is felt everywhere; in the economy, in politics, in family life, and in education. It is preventing African nations from maintaining political stability and from making economic and social progress. AIDS is not just a health care problem, but a problem of far reaching consequences. The global community must continue to respond to this plague with money, programs, and resources in order for Africa to survive. Alone, AIDS is a plague Africa cannot escape.

(Document 6) Eventually these overextended families will no longer be able to function as any kind of family unit, and if these extended families become too large, then the children will not be given the amount of nurturing that any child needs. AIDS takes teachers, resulting in many children, orphaned or not, to be without an education. Without families and without education, the future of Africa’s children remains dismal.

Ignorance and lack of education also contribute to the rapid spread of AIDS. Although in many African countries governments establish laws to protect the human rights of its people, these laws are inaccessible to populations that are illiterate and have limited education whereas customary law is very accessible. (Document 1) It is imperative that those responsible for administering customary law be trained in human rights so that women are no longer violated and sexual promiscuity is taboo. This initiative is vital if customary law is to help fight AIDS. In addition, many of the uneducated are ignorant about the causes and transmission of the AIDS virus. Consequently, thousands are unaware that they are HIV infected and unknowingly transmit the virus to partners and/or unborn babies. As stated in document 3, ninety percent of the world’s HIV-infected children live in Africa. One- third of all children who have the virus acquire it from just being born. Another eight percent receive AIDS from breast- feeding. AIDS education is vital in order t

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