United Nations Security Council Resolution 503

UN Security Council
Resolution 503
Apartheid-era sign (1989)
Date9 April 1982
Meeting no.2,351
CodeS/RES/503 (Document)
SubjectSouth Africa
Voting summary
  • 15 voted for
  • None voted against
  • None abstained
ResultAdopted
Security Council composition
Permanent members
Non-permanent members
← 502 Lists of resolutions 504 →

United Nations Security Council resolution 503, adopted unanimously on 9 April 1982, after reaffirming Resolution 473 (1980), the Council expressed its concern at the death sentences issued by the Transvaal Provincial Division of the Supreme Court of South Africa against Ncimbithi Johnson Lubisi, Petrus Tsepo Mashigo and Naphtali Manana, all of whom were members of the African National Congress.

The resolution called upon the Government of South Africa to commute the death sentences after hearing of the confirmation of them at the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court. It also urged all Member States to use their influence to assist in the matter.

After the adoption of Resolution 503, the death sentences of the men were commuted to life imprisonment; all were subsequently released during the fall of apartheid.[1]

  1. ^ Wellens, Karen; T.M.C. Asser Instituut (1990). Resolutions and statements of the United Nations Security Council (1946–1989): a thematic guide. BRILL. p. 171. ISBN 978-0-7923-0796-9.