What was the global reaction to apartheid policies?

The global reaction to apartheid policies was largely negative, marked by widespread condemnation, protests, and economic sanctions.

The apartheid policies implemented by the South African government from 1948 to 1994 were met with significant international opposition. This system of institutionalised racial segregation and discrimination was widely condemned as a gross violation of human rights. The United Nations (UN) played a crucial role in leading the global response. In 1962, the UN General Assembly passed Resolution 1761, condemning apartheid policies and calling for all member states to cease military and economic relations with South Africa. This marked the beginning of a comprehensive international campaign against apartheid.

In addition to the UN's actions, many countries individually imposed economic sanctions on South Africa. These included trade embargoes, bans on investment, and restrictions on cultural and sporting contacts. The United States, for instance, passed the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act in 1986, which imposed sanctions against South Africa and stated that the sanctions would not be lifted until a series of steps towards racial integration and democracy were taken. The United Kingdom, despite being one of South Africa's major trading partners, also imposed sanctions, albeit reluctantly under the pressure of public opinion and other Commonwealth countries.

Protests against apartheid were widespread and spanned across continents. In many countries, anti-apartheid movements emerged, organising protests, boycotts, and campaigns to raise awareness about the injustices of apartheid. These movements played a significant role in pressuring their respective governments to take action against South Africa. The global music community also rallied against apartheid, with artists refusing to perform in South Africa and concerts being organised to raise funds for anti-apartheid movements.

The global reaction to apartheid was not uniform, however. Some countries, particularly those with strategic or economic interests in South Africa, were slower to condemn apartheid or impose sanctions. This included Israel and Taiwan, who maintained strong ties with South Africa throughout the apartheid era. Nevertheless, the overwhelming global consensus was one of opposition to apartheid, contributing to its eventual dismantling in the early 1990s.