Security Council resolution 572 (1985) [on international relief to Botswana]
Symbol: S/RES/572(1985)
Date: 1985-09-30
Status: adopted
Agenda: S/40 [21] BOTSWANA--SOUTH AFRICA
Subjects: MILITARY ACTIVITY|WAR DAMAGE COMPENSATION|BOTSWANA|SOUTH AFRICA|REFUGEE ASSISTANCE|SOUTH AFRICAN REFUGEES|SPECIAL MISSIONS|BOTSWANA|INTERNATIONAL RELIEF|BOTSWANA
Votes in favour: 15
Votes against: 0
Abstentions: 0
Voting record:
country: AUSTRALIA
vote: yes
country: BURKINA FASO
vote: yes
country: CHINA
vote: yes
country: DENMARK
vote: yes
country: EGYPT
vote: yes
country: FRANCE
vote: yes
country: INDIA
vote: yes
country: MADAGASCAR
vote: yes
country: PERU
vote: yes
country: THAILAND
vote: yes
country: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
vote: yes
country: UKRAINE
vote: yes
country: UNITED KINGDOM
vote: yes
country: UNITED STATES
vote: yes
country: USSR
vote: yes

Resolution 572 (1985)
of 30 September 1985

The Security Council,

Recalling its resolution 568 (1985),

Having considered the report of the mission to
Botswana appointed by the Secretary-General in accordance with resolution 568 (1985), 89

Having heard the statement of the Permanent
Representative of Botswana to the United Nations 90
expressing the deep concern of his Government over the
attack by South Africa against the territorial integrity of
Botswana,

Deeply concerned that the attack by South Africa
resulted in the loss of life and casualties to many
residents and refugees in Gaborone as well as the
destruction of and damage to property,

Noting with satisfaction the policy which Botswana
follows in regard to the granting of asylum to people
fleeing from the oppression of apartheid as well as its
respect for and adherence to the international conventions on the status of refugees,

Reaffirming its opposition to the system of apartheid
and the right of all countries to receive refugees fleeing
from the oppression of apartheid,

Noting further the urgent needs of Botswana to provide adequate shelter and facilities to refugees seeking
asylum in Botswana,

Convinced of the importance of international support
for Botswana,

1. Commends the Government of Botswana for its
steadfast opposition to apartheid and for the
humanitarian policies it is following in regard to
refugees;

2. Expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General for having arranged to send a mission to
Botswana to assess the damage caused by South Africa’s
unprovoked and premeditated acts of aggression and for
proposing measures to strengthen Botswana’s capacity
to receive and provide assistance to South African
refugees as well as for determining the level of assistance
required by Botswana to cope with the situation
resulting from the attack;

3. Endorses the report of the mission to Botswana
under resolution 568 (1985);

4. Demands that South Africa pay full and adequate
compensation to Botswana for the loss of life and
damage to property resulting from its act of aggression;

5. Requests Member States, international organizations and financial institutions to assist Botswana in the
fields identified in the report of the mission to
Botswana;

6. Requests the Secretary-General to give the matter
of assistance to Botswana his continued attention and to
keep the Security Council informed;

7. Decides to remain seized of the situation.

Adopted unanimously at the
2609th meeting.


89 Ibid., document S/17453.
90 Ibid., Fortieth Year, 2609th meeting.