UNITED
NATIONS  GENERAL
ASSEMBLY
REMARKS BY
THE
PRESIDENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
HIS EXCELLENCY MR. JULIAN R. HUNTE AT THE COMMEMORATIVE
MEETING FOR TEN YEARS OF FREEDOM IN SOUTH AFRICA:
THE ROLE OF THE UNITED NATIONS
UNITED
NATIONS HEADQUARTERS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
27
APRIL 2004
Mr
Secretary-General, Senior United Nations Officials,
Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen:
I
recall, as vividly as if it were today, that momentous
occasion on 27 April 1994, when a new South Africa emerged
triumphantly from the dark past of apartheid into the
light of democracy and freedom. I feel greatly honoured
today to chair this special celebration, and to welcome
you all, as we join the Government and people of South
Africa and well-wishers the world over in commemorating
Ten Years of democracy and freedom in South Africa.
South
Africa's significant accomplishment is also an accomplishment
for the United Nations. From the moment the organisation
received the danger signal that a founding member had
taken a retrograde step to institutionalise racism and
racial discrimination in defiance of the Charter, ending
the abhorrent system of apartheid became a matter of priority
for the organisation.
For
over four decades, the United Nations gave international
leadership and direction to the struggle against apartheid.
Notwithstanding the different perspectives some took on
this issue, the organisation shared the vision of the
majority of South Africans for a country free from racism,
racial discrimination, violence, despair and violation
of human rights and fundamental freedoms. It therefore
gave moral standing to voices worldwide that demanded
racial equality, economic progress and social justice
for all South Africans.
Acting
in accordance with the Charter and international law,
the United Nations used every means available to bring
about peaceful change in South Africa. Apartheid was declared
to be a crime and declarations and treaties were adopted
by the General Assembly to eliminate it, as well as to
prevent sporting contacts with South Africa. Specific
mechanisms were created, including the Special Committee
Against Apartheid, of which Ambassador Gambari was Chairman,
to monitor developments in South Africa.
Economic,
oil, and arms embargoes were imposed on South Africa;
Special Representatives were appointed to monitor the
situation there; international days and international
years were declared to raise public awareness of the terrible
price apartheid was extracting, whether at Sharpeville
or Soweto or in neighbouring sovereign states. The United
Nations recognised the legitimacy of the majority of South
Africans to engage in a struggle for their individual
and political freedom, while consistently urging the South
African government to adhere to its obligations under
the Charter and international law.
Other
international organisations, non-governmental organisations
and individuals joined the United Nations in the anti-apartheid
efforts. Notwithstanding South Africa's withdrawal from
the Commonwealth, that organisation stayed the course.
Acting in concert with the United Nations, it brought
pressure to bear on the Government of South Africa to
end apartheid and played its part in supporting the dismantling
of the system.
As
representative of a Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country,
St Lucia, I would be remiss if I did not recognise the
systematic and proactive efforts of our leaders, governments
and people towards ending apartheid, in the United Nations
and as well, in the Commonwealth. The late Michael Manley,
former Prime Minister of Jamaica, was a dynamic and committed
advocate for the rights of the majority of South Africans,
and his strong support for the initiative to end sporting
contacts with apartheid South Africa is well known. The
late Dame Nita Barrow, former Governor General of Barbados,
served on the Commonwealth's Eminent Person's Group. More
recently, Angela King gave exemplary service to the United
Nations as head of its Observer Mission in South Africa
(UNOMSA).
The
tribute for shaking off the mantle of apartheid, however
belong to the people of South Africa. I have come to regard
South Africa as a country in which one can expect the
unexpected. For example, after 27 years, Nelson Mandela,
freed from prison became leader of a free and democratic
South Africa. The people of South Africa have demonstrated
an exceptional ability to forgive the architects and perpetrators
of the apartheid, which has earned them respect and admiration
worldwide.
Nation
building is never an easy task, even in the best of circumstances.
To do so while addressing half a century of inequity is
challenging. Needs are pressing, promoting sustainable
development is an enormous task, and expectations may
be high. Notwithstanding decades of racism, racial discrimination
and oppression, South Africans have been uniquely successful
in their national reconciliation and nation building efforts.
They can be justifiably proud of their accomplishments,
which serve as an inspiration for all.
Importantly, South Africa has taken it rightful place
in the community of nations, providing proven leadership
in organisations including the United Nations, the Commonwealth
and the African Union. In the United Nations, in particular,
it is to be commended for its support and leadership in
key United Nations activities, including meetings such
as the World Summit for Sustainable Development.
The
Government and people of South Africa also have a proven
track record in keeping their diverse country on the democratic
path. On 14 April, South Africans went to the polls for
the third time. For the third time, they exercised their
right to choose those who would govern them, without disruption,
in free and fair elections. I wish to take this opportunity
to congratulate President Mbeki as he again takes up the
high office of President.
There
are many lessons we can learn from South Africa's struggles
and triumphs. I wish to mention just two. The first is
the United Nations has the capacity to deal effectively
with racism and racial discrimination, including extreme
forms such as apartheid, and can do so, if the political
will exists. The second lesson is that multilateralism
works. Our celebration, therefore, includes recognition
of multilateral efforts that helped to bring democracy
and freedom to South Africa. But above, it is a celebration
of a democratic, free and progressive South Africa.
I
thank you.
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