30 May 1985

25th plenary meeting

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 1984/42 of 24 May 1984,

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 the independent black trade union movement have intensified,

Noting further with indignation the severe repression against trade unionists in the so-called "homelands",

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

2. Deplores the repression by the Government of South Africa against the growing independent black trade union movement;

3. Demands once again the cessation of persecution of trade unionists and repression of the independent black trade union movement by the Government of South Africa;

4. 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;

5. Demands the immediate release of all trade unionists imprisoned for exercising their legitimate trade union rights and the lifting of the orders banning trade unionists and trade union organizations;

6. 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;

7. 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;

8. Decides to consider at its first regular session of 1986 the question of allegations of infringements of trade union rights in South Africa as a sub-item of the item entitled "Human rights questions".