UN involvement

• Opposition to South Africa

  • Apartheid system - ignored declaration of human rights (South Africa didn't sign)
  • UN wanted economic sanctions imposed on South Africa

  Britain + USA vetoed it (Cold War)

  SA were a very useful ally for the West + economic sanctions would hit the poorest in SA the most.
• Collapse of European Empires

  UN General Assembly increased its membership

  • Many supported Namibia in its quest for liberation.