Resolution 568 (1985) of 21 June 1985
The Security Council,
Taking note of the letter dated 17 June 1985 from the Permanent Representative of Botswana to the United Nations
and having heard the statement of the Minister for External Affairs of Botswana concerning the recent acts of
aggression by the racist regime of South Africa against the Republic of Botswana,
Expressing its shock and indignation at the loss of human life, the injuries inflicted, and the extensive damage
as a result of that action,
Affirming the urgent need to safeguard the territorial integrity of Botswana and maintain peace and security in
southern Africa,
Reaffirming the obligation of all States to refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of
force against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of any State,
Expressing its profound concern that the racist regime resorted to the use of military force against the
defenceless and peace-loving nation of Botswana,
Gravely concerned that such acts of aggression can only serve to aggravate the already volatile and dangerous
situation in southern Africa,
Bearing in mind that this latest incident is one in a series of provocative actions carried out by South Africa
against Botswana and that the racist regime has declared that it will continue and escalate such attacks,
Commending Botswana for its unflagging adherence to the conventions relating to the status of refugees and of
stateless persons and for the sacrifices it has made and continues to make in giving asylum to victims of
apartheid,
1. Strongly condemns South Africa's recent unprovoked and unwarranted military attack on the capital of Botswana
as an act of aggression against that country and a gross violation of its territorial integrity and national
sovereignty;
2. Further condemns all acts of aggression, provocation and harassment, including murder, blackmail, kidnapping
and destruction of property committed by the racist regime of South Africa against Botswana;
3. Demands the immediate, total and unconditional cessation of all acts of aggression by South Africa against
Botswana;
4. Denounces and rejects racist South Africa's practice of "hot pursuit" to terrorize and destabilize Botswana
and other countries in southern Africa;
5. Demands full and adequate compensation by South Africa to Botswana for the damage to life and property
resulting from such acts of aggression;
6. Affirms Botswana's right to receive and give sanctuary to the victims of apartheid in accordance with its
traditional practice, humanitarian principles and international obligations;
7. Requests the Secretary-General to enter into immediate consultation with the Government of Botswana and the
relevant United Nations agencies on measures to be undertaken to assist the Government of Botswana in ensuring
the safety, protection and welfare of the refugees in Botswana;
8. Requests the Secretary-General to send a mission to visit Botswana for the purpose of:
(a) Assessing the damage caused by South Africa's unprovoked and premeditated acts of aggression;
(b) Proposing measures to strengthen Botswana's capacity to receive and provide assistance to South African
refugees;
(c) Determining the consequent level of assistance required by Botswana and to report thereon to the Security
Council;
9. Requests all States and relevant agencies and organizations of the United Nations system urgently to extend
all necessary assistance to Botswana;
10. Requests the Secretary-General to monitor developments related to this question and to report to the Security
Council as the situation demands;
11. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
Adopted unanimously at the 2599th meeting.