United Nations Security Council Resolution 556

UN Security Council
Resolution 556

Apartheid-era sign
Date 23 October 1984
Meeting no. 2,560
Code S/RES/556 (Document)
Subject South Africa
Voting summary
 14 voted for
None voted against
1 abstained
Result Adopted
Security Council composition
Permanent members
Non-permanent members

United Nations Security Council resolution 556, adopted on 23 October 1984, after recalling 554 (1984) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Council expressed its alarm at the killing of anti-apartheid demonstrators in South Africa, reaffirming that the country's disregard for world opinion will lead to a further escalation of the "explosive situation".

The Council reiterated its opposition to apartheid, demanding the immediate cessation of massacres in South Africa and the release of all political prisoners. It also called on all Member States and international organisations to assist the South African people in their "legitimate struggle for the full exercise of the right to self-determination".

Finally, Resolution 556 called for the dismantling of the bantustans, the removal of bans on anti-apartheid parties, individuals and news media, and requested the Secretary-General to monitor the situation.

The resolution was approved by 14 votes to none against, while the United States abstained from voting.

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References

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