SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 181

7 AUGUST 1963

ARMS EMBARGO AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA

The Security Council

Having considered the question of race conflict in South Africa resulting from the policies of apartheid of the Government of the Republic of South Africa, as submitted by the thirty-two African member states,

Recalling its resolution 134 (1960) of 1 April 1960,

Taking into account that world public opinion has been reflected in General Assembly resolution 1761 (XVII) of 6 November 1962, and particularly paragraphs 4 and 8,

Noting with appreciation the interim reports adopted on 6 may and 16 July 1963 by the Special Committee on the Policies of Apartheid of the Government of the Republic of South Africa,

Noting with concern  the recent arms build-up by the Government of South Africa, some of which arms are being used in the furtherance of that government’s racial policies,

Regretting that some states are indirectly providing encouragement in various ways to the Government of South Africa to perpetuate , by force, its policy of apartheid,

Regretting the failure of the Government of South Africa to accept the invitation of the Security Council to delegate a representative to appear before it,

Being convinced that the situation in South Africa is seriously disturbing international peace and security,

  1. Strongly deprecates the policies of South Africa in its perpetuation of racial discrimination as eing inconsistent with the principles contained in the Charter of the United Nations contrary to its obligations as a member of the United Nations;
  2. Calls upon the Government of South Africa to abandon the policies of apartheid and discrimination,as called for in Security Council resolution 134 (1960), and to liberate all persons imprisoned, interned or subjected to other restrictions for having opposed the policy of apartheid;
  3. Solemnly calls upon all States to cease forthwith the sale and shipment of arms, ammunition of all types and military vehicles to South Africa;
  4. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the situation in South Africa under observation and to report to the Security Council by 30 October 1963.

Adopted at the 1056th meeting by 9 votes to none with 2 abstentions (France, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)