The Economic and Social Council,
Noting resolutions 8 (XXIII) and 9 (XXIII) of the Commission
on Human Rights,
1. Welcomes the decision of the Commission on Human Rights
to give annual consideration to the item entitled "Question
of the violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including
policies of racial discrimination and segregation and of apartheid,
in all countries, with particular reference to colonial and other
dependent countries and territories," without prejudice to
the functions and powers of organs already in existence or which
may be established within the framework of measures of implementation
included in international covenants and conventions on the protection
of human rights and fundamental freedoms; and concurs with the
requests for assistance addressed to the Sub-Commission on Prevention
of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities and to the Secretary-General;
2. Authorizes the Commission on Human Rights and the Sub-
Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities,
in conformity with the provisions of paragraph 1 of the Commission's
resolution 8 (XXIII), to examine information relevant to gross
violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms, as exemplified
by the policy of apartheid as practised in the Republic of South
Africa and in the Territory of South West Africa under the direct
responsibility of the United Nations and now illegally occupied
by the Government of the Republic of South Africa, and to racial
discrimination as practiced notably in Southern Rhodesia, contained
in the communications listed by the Secretary-General pursuant
to Economic and Social Council resolution 728 F (XXVIII) of 30
July 1959;
3. Decides that the Commission on Human Rights may, in
appropriate cases, and after careful consideration of the information
thus made available to it, in conformity with the provisions of
paragraph 1 above, make a thorough study of situations which reveal
a consistent pattern of violations of human rights, as exemplified
by the policy of apartheid as practised in the Republic of South
Africa and in the Territory of South West Africa under the direct
responsibility of the United Nations and now illegally occupied
by the Government of the Republic of South Africa, and racial
discrimination as practised notably in Southern Rhodesia, and
report, with recommendations thereon, to the Economic and Social
Council;
4. Decides to review the provisions of paragraphs 2 and
3 of the present resolution after the entry into force of the
International Covenants on Human Rights;
5. Takes note of the fact that the Commission on Human
Rights, in its resolution 6 (XXIII), has instructed an ad hoc
study group to study in all its aspects the question of the ways
and means by which the Commission might be enabled or assisted
to discharge functions in relation to violations of human rights
and fundamental freedoms, whilst maintaining and fulfilling its
other functions;
6. Requests the Commission on Human Rights to report to
it on the result of this study after having given consideration
to the conclusions of the ad hoc study group referred to
in paragraph 5 above.