24 May 1984

Meeting 20

Report of the Ad Hoc Working Group of Experts of the Commission on Human Rights on allegations of infringements of trade union rights in the Republic of South Africa

The Economic and Social Council,

Recalling its resolution 1982/40 of 7 May 1982,

Having examined the extract from the progress report of the Ad Hoc Working Group of Experts on southern Africa,

Noting with grave concern that police and State interference in industrial disputes and repression against independent black trade union movements have persisted,

1. Takes note of the extract from the progress report of the Ad Hoc Working Group of Experts on southern Africa;

2. Demands the cessation of persecution of trade unionists by the Government of South Africa;

3. Calls once again for the immediate recognition of the unimpeded exercise of freedom of association and trade union rights by the entire population of South Africa, without discrimination of any kind;

4. Demands the immediate release of all imprisoned trade unionists and the lifting of the orders banning trade unionists and trade union organizations;

5. Requests the Ad Hoc Working Group of Experts to continue to study the situation and to report thereon to the Commission on Human Rights and the Council;

6. Also requests the Ad Hoc Working Group of Experts, in the discharge of its mandate, to consult with the International Labour Organisation and the Special Committee against Apartheid, as well as with international and African trade union confederations;

7. Decides to consider at its first regular session of 1985 the question of allegations of infringements of trade union rights in South Africa as a sub-item under the item entitled "Human rights questions".