Security Council resolution 591 (1986) [South Africa]

Resolution 591 (1986) of 28 November 1986

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolution 418 (1977), in which it decided upen a mandatory arms embargo against South Africa,

Recalling its resolution 421 (1977), by which it entrusted a committee consisting of all the members of the Council with the task of, among other things, studying ways and means by which the mandatory arms embargo could be made more effective against South Africa and to make recommendations to the Council,

Recalling its resolution 473 (l980) on the question of South Africa,

Recalling the 1980 report of the Security Council Committee established by resolution 421 (1977) concerning the question of South Africa on ways and means of making the mandatory arms embargo against South Africa more effective,

Recalling resolution 558 (1984), in which all States were requested to refrain from importing arms, ammunition of all types and military vehicles produced in South Africa,

Recalling further resolution 473 (1980), by which the Security Council requested the Security Council Committee established by resolution 421 (1977) to redouble its efforts to secure full implementation of the arms embargo against South Africa by recommending measures to close all loopholes in the arms embargo, reinforce it and make it more comprehensive,

Reaffirming its recognition of the legitimacy of the struggle of the South African people for the elimination of apartheid and the establishment of a democratic society in accordance with their inalienable human and political rights as set forth in the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

Strongly condemning the racist régime of South Africa for further aggravating the situation and its massive repression against all opponents of apartheid, for the killing of peaceful demonstrators and political detainees, and for its defiance of General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, in particular Security Council resolution 417 (1977),

Reaffirming its resolution 418 (1977) and stressing the continuing need for strict application of all its provisions,

Mindful of its responsibilities under the Charter for the maintenance of international peace and security,

1. Urges States to take steps to ensure that components of embargoed items do not reach the South African military establishment and police through third countries;

2. Calls upon States to prohibit the export of spare parts for embargoed aircraft and other military equipment belonging to South Africa and any official involvement in the maintenance and service of such equipment;

3. Urges all States to prohibit the export to South Africa of items which they have reason to believe are destined for the military and/or police forces of South Africa, have a military capacity and are intended for military purposes, namely, aircraft, aircraft engines, aircraft parts, electronic and telecommunication equipment, computers and four-wheel drive vehicles;

4. Requests of all States that henceforth the term "arms and related materiel" referred to in resolution 418 (1977) shall include, in addition to all nuclear, strategic and conventional weapons, all military, paramilitary police vehicles and equipment, as well as weapons and ammunitions, spare parts and supplies for the aforementioned and the sale or transfer thereof;

5. Requests all States to implement strictly its resolution 418 (1977) and to refrain from any co-operation in the nuclear field with South Africa which will contribute to the manufacture and development by South Africa of nuclear weapons or nuclear explosive devices;

6. Renews its request to all States to refrain from importing arms, ammunition of all types and military vehicles produced in South Africa;

7. Calls upon all States to prohibit the import or entry of all South African armaments for display in international fairs and exhibitions under their jurisdiction;

8. Further calls upon States which have not done so to put an end to exchanges as well as to visits and exchanges of visits by government personnel, when such visits and exchanges maintain or increase South Africa's military or police capabilities:

9. Further calls upon all States to refrain from participating in any activities in South Africa which they have reason to believe might contribute to its military capability;

10. Requests all States to ensure that their national legislation or comparable policy directives guarantee that specific provisions to implement resolution 418 (1977) include penalties to deter violations;

11. Further requests all States to adopt measures to investigate violations, prevent future circumventions and strengthen their machinery for the implementation of resolution 418 (1977) with a view to the effective monitoring and verification of transfers of arms and other equipment in violation of the arms embargo;

12. Further requests all States, including States non-members of the United Nations, to act in accordance with the provisions of the present resolution;

13. Further requests the Security Council Committee established by resolution 421 (1977) concerning the question of South Africa, in pursuance of resolution 418 (1977), to continue its efforts to secure full implementation of the arms embargo against South Africa in order to make it more effective;

14. Further requests the Secretary-General to report to the Security Council on the progress of the implementation of the present resolution, the first report to be submitted as soon as possible but in any event no later than 30 June 1987;

15. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

Adopted by consensus at the 2723rd meeting.