Security Council resolution 560 (1985) [South Africa]

Resolution 560 (1985) of 12 March 1985

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolutions 473 (1980), 554 (1984) and 556 (1984), which, inter alia, demanded the cessation of the uprootings, relocation and denationalization of the indigenous African people,

Noting with deep concern the aggravation of the situation in South Africa resulting from repeated killings of defenceless opponents of apartheid in various townships all over South Africa and, most recently, the killing of African demonstrators against forced removals at Crossroads,

Gravely concerned by the arbitrary arrests of members of the United Democratic Front and other mass organizations opposed to the apartheid régime,

Deeply concerned by the preferment of "high treason" charges on Mrs. Albertina Sisulu, Mr. Archie Gumede, Mr. George Sewpershad, Mr. M.J. Naidoo, the Reverend Frank Chikana, Professor Ismael Mohammed, Mr. Mewa Ramgobin, Mr. Cassim Saloojee, Mr. Paul David, Mr. Essop Jasset, Mr. Curtis Nkondo, Mr. Aubrey Mokoena, Mr. Thomalile Qweta, Mr. Sisa Njikelana, Mr. Sam Kikine and Mr. Isaac Ngcobo officials of the United Democratic Front and other opponents of apartheid for their participation in the non-violent campaign for a united, non-racial and democratic South Africa,

Aware that racist South Africa's intensified repression and charges of "high treason" against leadings opponents of apartheid, is an effort to further entrench racist minority rule,

Concerned that repression further undermines the possibilities of a peaceful solution of the South African conflict,

Concerned over racist South Africa's policy of the uprooting, denationalization and dispossession of three and a half million indigenous African people to date, thus swelling the ranks of the other millions already doomed to permanent unemployment and starvation

Noting with indignation that South Africa's policy of bantustanization is also aimed at the creation of internal bases for the fomenting of fratricidal conflict,

1. Strongly condemns the Pretoria régime for the killing of defenceless African people protesting against their forced removal from Crossroads and other places;

2. Strongly condemns the arbitrary arrests by the Pretoria régime of members of the United Democratic Front and other mass organizations opposed to South Africa's policy of apartheid;

3. Calls on the Pretoria régime to release unconditionally and immediately all political prisoners and detainees, including Nelson Mandela and all other black leaders with whom it must deal in any meaningful discussion of the future of the country;

4. Also calls upon the Pretoria régime to withdraw the charges of "high treason" instituted against the United Democratic Front officials, and calls for their immediate and unconditional release;

5. Commends the massive united resistance of the oppressed people of South Africa against apartheid, and reaffirms the legitimacy of their struggle for a united, non-racial and democratic South Africa;

6. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Security Council on the implementation of this resolution;

7. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

Adopted unanimously at the 2574th meeting.