History The Anti Apartheid Movement Questions Medium
The Anti-Apartheid Movement was a global campaign that aimed to end the system of racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa known as apartheid. Throughout its existence, there were several key international peace initiatives and negotiations associated with this movement.
One of the most significant initiatives was the United Nations' imposition of economic and cultural sanctions against South Africa. In 1962, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution calling for member states to impose a comprehensive arms embargo on South Africa. This was followed by subsequent resolutions that urged countries to cut off diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties with the apartheid regime. These sanctions put pressure on the South African government and played a crucial role in isolating the apartheid regime internationally.
Another important initiative was the international divestment movement. This movement called for individuals, organizations, and governments to withdraw their investments from companies doing business in South Africa. By targeting the economic interests of the apartheid regime, divestment campaigns aimed to weaken its financial stability and increase international pressure for change. This movement gained significant momentum in the 1980s and played a crucial role in undermining the economic foundations of apartheid.
Furthermore, there were various negotiations and diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the apartheid issue peacefully. One notable example is the Commonwealth's Gleneagles Agreement of 1977, which called for the isolation of South Africa from international sporting events. This agreement put pressure on the South African government to dismantle apartheid policies and led to the eventual expulsion of South Africa from the Commonwealth in 1985.
Additionally, the international community played a significant role in supporting the African National Congress (ANC), the leading anti-apartheid political party in South Africa. Many countries provided financial and diplomatic support to the ANC, which helped sustain their struggle against apartheid. The ANC's leader, Nelson Mandela, became an international symbol of the anti-apartheid movement, and his imprisonment and subsequent release garnered widespread attention and support from the international community.
In conclusion, the key international peace initiatives and negotiations associated with the Anti-Apartheid Movement included the imposition of UN sanctions, the divestment movement, diplomatic efforts such as the Gleneagles Agreement, and international support for the ANC. These initiatives and negotiations played a crucial role in pressuring the apartheid regime, isolating South Africa internationally, and ultimately contributing to the dismantling of apartheid.