GA/AP/674, 13 May 1977
Following is a press statement issued today by Leslie O. Harriman, Chairman of the Special Committee against Apartheid:
"The recommendation of the Economic and Social Council to designate 1978 as the 'International Anti-Apartheid Year' is most opportune. The time has come to secure world-wide recognition that apartheid is a crime akin to slavery which must be stamped out by effective international action.
"It is essential that international solidarity with the oppressed people of South Africa must be raised to a higher level. Maximum publicity should be given to the grave situation in South Africa, the heroic and determined struggle of the oppressed people of that country and the noble and righteous objectives of their liberation movement so that peoples all over the world will be encouraged to demonstrate their support for the eradication of apartheid and the establishment of a non-racial society.
"The effective observance of the year will require co-ordinated action by the United Nations, specialized agencies and the Organization of African Unity (OAU), as well as all Governments, political parties, trade unions, churches and non-governmental organizations. It will require the effective participation of information media and educational institutions.
"The Special Committee will not fail to give urgent attention to a programme for the observance of the year.
"I hope that all Governments and organizations will consider the recommendation urgently and make appropriate plans so that the Year will demonstrate the universal abhorrence of apartheid and generate much greater support for the struggle of the South African people for freedom and human equality."