Abstract
Resolution 554 (1984) of 17 August 1984
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolution 473 (1980) and General Assembly resolution 38/11 of 15 November 1983, as well as other
relevant United Nations resolutions calling upon the authorities in South Africa to abandon apartheid, end
oppression and repression of the black majority and seek a peaceful, just and lasting solution in accordance with
the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
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Convinced that the so-called "new constitution" endorsed on 2 November 1983 by the exclusively white electorate in
South Africa would continue the process of denationalization of the indigenous African majority, depriving it of
all fundamental rights, and further entrench apartheid, transforming South Africa into a country for "whites only",
Aware that the inclusion in the "new constitution" of the so-called "coloured" people and people of Asian origin
is aimed at dividing the unity of the oppressed people of South Africa and fomenting internal conflict,
Noting with grave concern that one of the objectives of the so-called "constitution" of the racist regime is to
make the "coloured" people and people of Asian origin in South Africa eligible for conscription into the armed
forces of the apartheid regime for further internal repression and aggressive acts against independent African
States,
Welcoming the massive united resistance of the oppressed people of South Africa against these "constitutional"
manoeuvres,
Reaffirming the legitimacy of the struggle of the oppressed people of South Africa for the elimination of
apartheid and for the establishment of a society in which all the people of South Africa as a whole, irrespective
of race, colour, sex or creed, will enjoy equal and full political and other rights and participate freely in the
determination of their destiny,
Firmly convinced that the so-called "elections" to be organized by the Pretoria regime in the current month of
August for the "coloured" people and people of Asian origin and the implementation of this "new constitution" will
inevitably aggravate tension in South Africa and in southern Africa as a whole,
1. Declares that the so-called "new constitution" is contrary to the principles of the Charter of the United
Nations, that the results of the referendum of 2 November 1983 are of no validity whatsoever and that the
enforcement of the "new constitution" will further aggravate the already explosive situation prevailing inside
apartheid South Africa;
2. Strongly rejects and declares as null and void the so-called "new constitution" and the "elections" to be
organized in the current month of August for the "coloured" people and people of Asian origin as well as all
insidious manoeuvres by the racist minority regime of South Africa further to entrench white minority rule and
apartheid;
3. Further rejects any so-called "negotiated settlement" based on bantustan structures or on the so-called
"new constitution";
4. Solemnly declares that only the total eradication of apartheid and the establishment of a non-racial democratic
society based on majority rule, through the full and free exercise of universal adult suffrage by all the people
in a united and unfragmented South Africa, can lead to a just and lasting solution of the explosive situation in
South Africa;
5. Urges all Governments and organizations not to accord recognition to the results of the so-called "elections"
and to take appropriate action, in cooperation with the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity and
in accordance with the present resolution, to assist the oppressed people of South Africa in their legitimate
struggle for a non-racial, democratic society;
6. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Security Council on the implementation of the present
resolution;
7. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
Adopted at the 2551st meeting by 13 votes to none, with 2 abstentions (United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland, United States of America). [^]