The question of race conflict in South Africa resulting from the policies of apartheid of the Government of the Union of South Africa
- Author: UN General Assembly
- Document source:
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Date:
8 December 1953
VIII. RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED ON THE REPORTS OF THE AD HOC POLITICAL COMMITTEE
721. The question of race conflict in South Africa resulting from the policies of apartheid of the Government of the Union of South Africa
(a) "It is highly unlikely, and indeed improbable, that the policy of apartheid will ever be willingly accepted by the masses subjected to discrimination", and
(b) That the continuance of this policy would make peaceful solutions increasingly difficult and endanger friendly relations among nations,
Noting further that the Commission considers it desirable that the United Nations should request the Government of the Union of South Africa to reconsider the components of its policy towards various ethnic groups,
Considering that, in the Commission's own opinion, the time available was too short for a thorough study of all the aspects of the problems assigned to it,
Considering also the Commission's view that one of the difficulties encountered by it was the lack of co-operation from the Government of the Union of South Africa and, in particular, its refusal to permit the Commission to enter its territory,
1. Reaffirms its resolutions 103 (I) of 19 November 1946, 377 A (V), section E, of 3 November 1950 and 616 B (VII) of 5 December 1952, particularly the passages in those resolutions which state respectively that "it is in the higher interests of humanity to put an immediate end to religious and so-called racial persecution and discrimination"; that "enduring peace will not be secured solely by collective security arrangements against breaches of international peace and acts of aggression, but that a genuine and lasting peace depends also upon the observance of all the Principles and Purposes established in the Charter of the United Nations, upon the implementation of the resolutions of the Security Council, the General Assembly and other principal organs of the United Nations intended to achieve the maintenance of international peace and security, and especially upon respect for an observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all and on the establishment and maintenance of conditions of economic and social well-being in all countries"; and that "in a multi-racial society harmony and respect for human rights and freedoms and the peaceful development of a unified community are best assured when patterns of legislation and practice are directed towards ensuring the equality before the law of all persons regardless of race, creed or colour, and when economic, social, cultural and political participation of all racial groups is on a basis of equality";
2. Expresses appreciation of the work of the United Nations Commission on the Racial Situation in the Union of South Africa;
3. Decides that should any of the members of the Commission be unable to continue their membership, the member or members concerned shall, if the General Assembly is not sitting, be replaced by a person or persons appointed by the present President of the General Assembly in consultation with the Secretary-General;
4. Requests the Commission:
(a) To continue its study of the development of the racial situation in the Union of South Africa:
(i) With reference to the various implications of the situation for the populations affected;
(ii) In relation to the provisions of the Charter and, in particular, to Article 14;
(b) To suggest measures which would help to alleviate the situation and promote a peaceful settlement;
5. Invites the Government of the Union of South Africa to extend its full co-operation to the Commission;
6. Requests the Commission to report to the General Assembly at its ninth session.
469th plenary meeting,8 December 1953.
[1] See Official Records of the General Assembly, Eighth Session, Supplement No. 16, document A/2505.
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