What role did the UN play in opposing apartheid?

The UN played a significant role in opposing apartheid through sanctions, resolutions, and establishing special committees.

The United Nations (UN) was instrumental in the global opposition to apartheid, the system of institutionalised racial segregation that existed in South Africa from 1948 to 1994. The UN's involvement began in earnest in the 1960s, when it passed a series of resolutions condemning apartheid and calling for sanctions against South Africa. These resolutions were significant as they represented the international community's collective disapproval of apartheid and put pressure on South Africa to end the system.

One of the key actions taken by the UN was the establishment of the Special Committee against Apartheid in 1962. This committee was tasked with promoting international action against apartheid, including economic sanctions, arms embargoes, and diplomatic isolation. It also worked to raise global awareness about the realities of apartheid and the struggle of the South African people against it. The committee's work was instrumental in mobilising international public opinion against apartheid.

In 1973, the UN General Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid, which defined apartheid as a crime against humanity and called for its eradication. This was a significant step as it not only condemned apartheid but also legally obligated UN member states to act against it.

The UN also played a role in supporting the victims of apartheid. In 1963, it established the United Nations Trust Fund for South Africa to provide assistance to individuals and organisations fighting against apartheid. This included financial support for legal defence, education, and humanitarian aid.

Furthermore, the UN Security Council imposed a mandatory arms embargo on South Africa in 1977, which was the first time such a measure had been used against a member state. This was a significant blow to the South African government, which relied heavily on imported arms for its security forces.

In summary, the UN played a multifaceted role in opposing apartheid. Through its resolutions, committees, conventions, and sanctions, it exerted significant pressure on the South African government to end apartheid and provided support to those fighting against it.