December 1978: 30th Anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights

In his statement to mark the 30th anniversary, Commonwealth Secretary-General Shridath Ramphal took the opportunity to strongly condemn the deteriorating prospects for human rights in Namibia.

In the context of International Human Rights day I appeal for understanding that human rights makes no sense in this continent save in a context which places foremost an end to apartheid and racial discrimination and the reality of freedom and justice and majority rule in Southern Africa.[1]

The apartheid government of South Africa had occupied Namibia since the end of the Second World War. This was despite the UN ending their mandate and calling for it to withdraw in 1966 and despite the 1971 ruling by the International Court of Justice that their administration there was in fact illegal.

Neither Namibia nor South Africa was a member of the Commonwealth in 1978, but the fight against apartheid was a prime Commonwealth concern.

For further information on records relating to the Commonwealths work against apartheid please contact the Library and Archives of the Commonwealth Secretariat.