Security Council resolution 527 (1982) [Lesotho-South Africa]

Resolution 527 (1982) of 15 December 1982

The Security Council,

Taking note of the letter dated 9 December 1983 from the Chargé d'Affaires of the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Lesotho to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/15515),

Having heard the statement by His Majesty King Moshoeshoe II of the Kingdom of Lesotho,

Bearing in mind that all Member States must refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the Charter of the United Nations,

Gravely concerned at the recent premeditated aggressive act by South Africa, in violation of the sovereignty, airspace and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Lesotho, and its consequences for peace and security in southern Africa,

Gravely concerned that this wanton aggressive act by South Africa is aimed at weakening the humanitarian support given by Lesotho to South African refugees,

Deeply concerned about the gravity of the aggressive acts of South Africa against Lesotho,

Grieved at the tragic loss in human life and concerned about the damage and destruction of property resulting from the aggressive act by South Africa against the Kingdom of Lesotho,

1. Strongly condemns the apartheid régime of South Africa for its premeditated aggressive act against the Kingdom of Lesotho which constitutes a flagrant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of that country;

2. Demands the payment by South Africa of full and adequate compensation to the Kingdom of Lesotho for the damage to life and property resulting from this aggressive act;

3. Reaffirms Lesotho's right to receive and give sanctuary to the victims of apartheid in accordance with its traditional practice, humanitarian principles and its international obligations;

4. Requests the Secretary-General to enter into immediate consultations with the Lesotho Government and United Nations agencies to ensure the welfare of the refugees in Lesotho in a manner consistent with their security;

5. Requests Member States to urgently extend all necessary economic assistance to Lesotho in order to strengthen its capacity to receive and maintain South African refugees;

6. Declares that there are peaceful means to resolve international problems and that, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, only these should be employed;

7. Calls upon South Africa to declare publicly that it will, in the future, comply with provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and that it will not commit aggressive acts against Lesotho either directly or through its proxies;

8. Requests the Secretary-General to monitor the implementation of the present resolution and to report regularly to the Security Council as the situation demands;

9. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

Adopted unanimously at the 2407th meeting.