United Nations Security Council Resolution 580

UN Security Council
Resolution 580
Lesotho–South Africa border
Date30 December 1985
Meeting no.2,639
CodeS/RES/580 (Document)
SubjectLesotho–South Africa
Voting summary
  • 15 voted for
  • None voted against
  • None abstained
ResultAdopted
Security Council composition
Permanent members
Non-permanent members
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United Nations Security Council resolution 580, adopted unanimously on 30 December 1985, having heard representations from Lesotho and recalling Resolution 527 (1982), the Council condemned the recent attacks on the Kingdom of Lesotho by South Africa, resulting in loss of life and damage to property on 19 December, in which several South African refugees were murdered in Lesotho's capital Maseru by the South African Defence Force.[1]

The Council demanded South Africa pay compensation to Lesotho, calling upon all parties concerned to normalise their relations and to apply established channels of communication on matters of mutual concern in a peaceful manner. It reminded South Africa to live up to its commitments not to destabilise neighbouring countries, and to begin the process of dismantling apartheid.

The resolution then requested Member States and international organisations provide economic assistance to Lesotho due to the damage caused by the attacks.

Lastly, the resolution required the Secretary-General to establish a presence in Lesotho compromising of one or two civilians in Maseru for the purposes of keeping him informed on developments. It also asked him to report to the Security Council as appropriate on developments in the region.

  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. 130. ISBN 978-0-7923-0796-9.