United Nations Security Council Resolution 591
UN Security Council Resolution 591 | ||
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Date | 28 November 1986 | |
Meeting no. | 2,723 | |
Code | S/RES/591 (Document) | |
Subject | South Africa | |
Voting summary |
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Result | Adopted | |
Security Council composition | ||
Permanent members | ||
Non-permanent members | ||
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International opposition to apartheid in South Africa |
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United Nations Security Council resolution 591, adopted unanimously on 28 November 1986, after recalling resolutions 418 (1977), 421 (1977), 473 (1980) and 558 (1984), the Council strengthened the mandatory arms embargo against apartheid South Africa imposed by Resolution 418, and made it more comprehensive. Resolution 591 sought to clarify vague terms from previous resolutions on the topic.[1]
The Council recognised the struggle of the South African people, calling for the establishment of a democratic state with full civil and political rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948). It also condemned the "racist regime" in South Africa for its repression against opponents of apartheid, killing demonstrators, holding of political prisoners and defiance of Security Council and General Assembly resolutions.
The resolution urged Member States to ensure that components of embargoed items did not reach South Africa through third countries, including spare parts for aircraft and other military equipment belonging to South Africa, and any items which other countries may feel are destined for use by the
The Council then went on to urge Member States to not receive any imports of arms, ammunition or military vehicles from South Africa, asking those that had not yet done so to put an end to all exchanges and visits, including by government personnel. It also requested Member States, and those who are not a member of the United Nations, to not participate in any activities in the country that may contribute to South Africa's military capability, ensuring national legislation should reflect this. However, some states still continued to cooperate with the South African regime:
Finally, Resolution 591 called on the Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar to report on the progress of the implementation of the current resolution by no later than 30 June 1987.
Though the resolution was adopted unanimously, its rulings were voluntary. The sanctions were lifted under Resolution 919 in 1994.[3]
See also
- Academic boycott of South Africa
- Disinvestment from South Africa
- Foreign relations of apartheid South Africa
- List of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 501 to 600 (1982–1987)
- Apartheid
- Sporting boycott of South Africa
References
- ISBN 978-0-19-829158-9.
- ^ .
- ISBN 978-90-411-1239-2.
External links
- Works related to United Nations Security Council Resolution 591 at Wikisource
- Text of the Resolution at undocs.org