How has the United Nations General Assembly addressed decolonization and apartheid?

The United Nations General Assembly has played a central role in addressing decolonization and apartheid by providing a global forum for debate and passing influential resolutions.1

Decolonization

The General Assembly has been a primary driver of the anticolonial movement. A landmark moment occurred in 1960 when it adopted the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, which condemned the subjugation of peoples and called for the immediate transfer of power to colonial territories. The Assembly also maintains a dedicated committee, the Special Political and Decolonization Committee, to manage these issues. A notable, long-term effort involved the independence of Namibia. Starting in the 1960s, the Assembly exerted persistent pressure on South Africa to relinquish its mandate over the territory, eventually leading to Namibia's independence in 1990.213

Apartheid

The General Assembly consistently used its deliberative functions to draw international attention to the system of apartheid in South Africa. By debating the issue and passing resolutions, the Assembly forced member governments to take formal positions, helping to isolate the apartheid regime and build international consensus against the practice.12