asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they have made about infant and child rape in South Africa, purportedly exacerbated by myths of a “virgin cure” for HIV/AIDS; and what assistance they have offered to the government of South Africa to tackle the problem. [HL2354]

The UK Government are deeply concerned about the issues surrounding sexual violence and AIDS in southern Africa and have raised these concerns in dialogue with officials and Ministers. Studies show that of the 54,000 rapes in South Africa every year 40 per cent occur among children under 18, approximately half of these among children under 13. There are no reliable statistics for infant rape, and there is no evidence that rape is exacerbated by myths of a “virgin cure” for AIDS.

The UK Government have supported the South African Government through funding research and community-based action to address child rape and HIV. This has increased understanding of the issues and the responses and policies government should take to tackle the problem.