Abstract
Resolution 591 (1986) of 28 November 1986
The Security Council,
Recalling its resolution 418 (1977), in which it decided open 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… [read more] 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 regime 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 Slates 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. [^]