The policies of apartheid of the Government of South Africa

XXVI. RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED ON THE REPORTS OF THE SPECIAL POLITICAL COMMITTEE
2764. The policies of apartheid of the Government of South Africa

The General Assembly, Recalling its resolution 2627 (XXV) of 24 October 1970, strongly condemning the evil policy of apartheid as a crime against the conscience and dignity of mankind, Further recalling its resolutions calling for the liberation of persons persecuted in South Africa for their opposition to apartheid and condemning the maltreatment and torture of prisoners and persons in police custody, Taking note of the reports of the Special Committee on Apartheid[1] and the Ad Hoc Working Group of Experts on the treatment of political prisoners in South Africa, established under resolution 2 (XXIII) of the Commission on Human Rights of 6 March 1967,[2] Gravely concerned at continuing reports of ill-treatment and torture of opponents of apartheid in detention in South Africa and at the deaths of several detainees during interrogation, Noting also the recent deportations, bannings, detentions and trials of a number of religious leaders in South Africa for their opposition to apartheid and assistance to victims of that inhuman policy,

1. Expresses its grave indignation and concern over any and every act of maltreatment and torture of opponents of apartheid in South Africa and the increased persecution of religious leaders opposed to that policy;

2. Again calls upon all States to do everything in their power to promote the cause of justice for all people in South Africa and, to that end, to exert their influence to secure:

(a) The repeal of all legislation designed to give effect to the oppressive policies of apartheid and all legislation designed to persecute and suppress the rights of those who are opposed to such policies;

(b) The liberation of all persons imprisoned or detained for their opposition to apartheid;

(c) The removal of orders against those banned or banished for their opposition to apartheid;

3. Appeals to national and international associations of jurists to take all appropriate steps in support of the purposes of the present resolution;

4. Urges all religious organizations to continue and intensify their efforts for the elimination of apartheid and racial discrimination;

5. Requests the Special Committee on Apartheid to prepare a special report on all known cases of maltreatment and torture of prisoners in South Africa, together with any other information pertinent to those cases;

6. Invites all organizations and individuals that may have knowledge of such cases to provide all available information to the Special Committee on Apartheid;

7. Requests the Secretary-General:

(a) To bring the present resolution to the attention of Governments, national and international organizations and anti-apartheid movements, including religious organizations and associations of jurists;

(b) To publicize, through the Unit on Apartheid and the Office of Public Information, all available information on the maltreatment and torture of prisoners and detainees in South Africa and the persecution of opponents of apartheid, including religious leaders;

(c) To provide necessary services and assistance to the Special Committee on Apartheid in the preparation of the report requested in paragraph 5 above and to publicize the report as widely as possible.

1981st plenary meeting,
9 November 1971.

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[1] Official Records of the General Assembly, Twenty-sixth Session, Supplement No. 22 (A/8422/Rev.1). [2] E/CN.4/1050 and Corr.1.