What was the international reaction to the Sharpeville Massacre?

The international reaction to the Sharpeville Massacre was one of widespread condemnation and increased support for the anti-apartheid movement.

The Sharpeville Massacre, which occurred on 21st March 1960 in South Africa, was a turning point in the global perception of apartheid. The brutal killing of 69 peaceful protestors by South African police shocked the world and led to an outpouring of international condemnation. The event was widely reported in the international press, bringing the harsh realities of apartheid to a global audience. This led to a significant increase in international support for the anti-apartheid movement.

The United Nations (UN) was particularly vocal in its condemnation. In the aftermath of the massacre, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 134, which condemned the incident and called for an end to apartheid. This was the first time the Security Council had intervened in a country's domestic affairs on the grounds of human rights abuses. The UN General Assembly also declared 21st March as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in memory of the victims of the Sharpeville Massacre.

Many countries also took individual action. The United Kingdom, for example, faced significant pressure from its citizens to take a stronger stance against apartheid. This led to a series of protests and boycotts, including the famous boycott of South African goods by the British Anti-Apartheid Movement. Similarly, the United States, under the Kennedy administration, began to reconsider its policy towards South Africa, leading to a more critical stance on apartheid.

The Sharpeville Massacre also had a significant impact on the African continent. Many African countries, which were gaining independence around this time, expressed solidarity with the anti-apartheid movement. The Organisation of African Unity, the precursor to the African Union, was particularly supportive, providing financial and political support to the African National Congress, the leading anti-apartheid organisation.

In conclusion, the international reaction to the Sharpeville Massacre was one of widespread condemnation. The event marked a turning point in the global perception of apartheid, leading to increased international support for the anti-apartheid movement.