Africa/Global: Human Rights and Privatisation

Amnesty International says it is "particularly concerned" with access to services which are essential for the enjoyment of human rights. "If individuals and communities are denied such access because of their economic status, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, religious persuasion, or any other arbitrary, discriminatory measure, then that action constitutes a grave violation of their human rights. Denial of access to these services could cause grave violations of physical and mental integrity of individuals and groups, and would thus constitute a human rights violation. Access to basic necessities of life is critical to sustain any society based on human dignity, and the State has an obligation to provide such services."