Nelson Mandela's Influence on the United Nations and International Diplomacy
Blogs Home
- 18 Jul 2023
.png)
The man who fought against apartheid rule, the political leader of the African National Congress (ANC), and the activist that led the movement to end racial segregation and discrimination, was none other than Nelson Mandela. But what is less known about his legacy is that in 2009, the United Nations General Assembly dedicated the 18th of July his birth date as Nelson Mandela International Day. Let's find out why:
Nelson Mandela – Early Life, Role in Anti-Apartheid & Prison Years
On July 18, 1918, in the village of Mvezo in the Eastern Cape, a man named Rolihlahla Mandela was born. The little boy saw the dream to do something for his people, drawing inspiration from the stories about his ancestors. He pursued a BA Degree at the University of College of Fort Hare but was expelled for joining a protest. He completed his BA Degree later at the University of South Africa.
In 1944, he joined the African National Congress and helped in the formation of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL). By 1949, he ascended in ranks at ANCYL, and a Programme of Action was adopted. He led the Defiance Campaign, a civil disobedience campaign in the year 1952. By the end of the year, Mandela was banned. He made significant contributions in organising protests, planning boycotts, and leading civil disobedience.
He left South Africa in 1962 and travelled in search of support for leading an armed struggle. In Morocco and Ethiopia, he received military training, but he was charged for leaving the country without gaining a permit. This led to his five years long imprisonment but in 1964, he was given a life imprisonment that was to be served at Robben Island. During his 27 years in jail, he gained a global reputation for his fight against racial segregation and a growing amount of international pressure & dissent against racism leading to his release in 1990. Following it, a new dawn emerged in the history of South Africa. He won the first elections that were held democratically in 1994.
UN and its Role in International Diplomacy
Even before the second world war formally came to an end, the world realised the need to prevent further wars as they brought only destruction and immense devastation. Hence, emerged the United Nations in 1945. The charter of the UN early mentioned its purpose, with its first purpose being "to maintain international peace and security". The UN has six organs and various specialised agencies and funds.
The Six organs are the General Assembly, the Security Council (UNSC), the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat. While the General Assembly is the deliberative organ, the Security Council is primarily entrusted with the responsibility to maintain international peace and security, and its five permanent members have a special negative power- the Veto.
In case of a "threat to peace", the UNSC initially tries to bring the parties/countries to a peaceful agreement, through investigation or mediation. For this purpose, it dispatches missions, sends special envoys, and tries for "pacific settlement of disputes".
When a Pacific settlement fails, the UNSC can take enforcement measures by imposing economic sanctions or arms embargoes, and in the worst-case scenario, it can take military action as well. Chapter VI and VII of the UN charter provides the UNSC the legitimacy to take action against the conflicted parties. Collective military action is the last resort.
The purpose of the UN is to prevent conflicts and diplomacy serves the same purpose. In that view, the first step is to prevent conflicts. Thus, preventive diplomacy plays an important role in conflict prevention. Another means is to send peacekeeping forces, represented by "Blue Helmets" in the areas of conflict who assist in facilitating peace through political process and ensuring disarmament. Further, it tries to reduce the chances of conflict-prone areas lapsing back into conflict by ensuring peacebuilding takes place through regional assistance.
Mandela's Engagement with the United Nations
Once released from jail, Mandela addressed the UN General Assembly on October 23, 1990. This speech is remarkable for it provided a global acceptance of anti-apartheid movements. He underlined the values of democracy, equality, and justice. His speech revered "We come from Africa and South Africa on this historic occasion to pay tribute to that founding ideal, and to thank the United Nations for challenge, with us, a system that defined fellow humans as lesser beings."
The United Nations aided the ongoing anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa by denouncing apartheid and condemning it as a violation of human rights. It also put various sanctions, including diplomatic and economic sanctions which resulted in growing international pressure on the discriminatory rule that prevailed. In 1974, it suspended South Africa, and it was only after the democratic transition took place that it was readmitted to the UN in 1994. Further, it established a Centre Against Apartheid on January 1, 1976. By Resolution 554, the UNSC declared the constitution of South Africa null & void on account of being racist in 1984.
Nelson Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his contribution to the promotion of human rights. He stood with the cause of promoting the rights of various oppressed groups and held the view that human rights are for all people, regardless of their race, or ethnicity. His leadership provided a steadfast dedication to human rights which was recognised globally. On his death in 2013, the then Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon called him a "giant of Justice''. Throughout his life, he emphasised the power of truth and the need for reconciliation which has influenced the UN's post-conflict approach to Justice.
Mandela's Influence on the UN's approach to Human Rights
Throughout his life, including his presidency, Mandela stood against racial segregation and remained a strong advocate for human rights. His presidency from 1994-1999 was utilised by promoting the norms of equality, and justice and a special emphasis was placed on the communities that became marginalised as a result of apartheid. Considerable work was done to uphold the value of justice and for promoting human rights. For instance, his government established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) that aimed to bring to attention the erstwhile human rights abuse under apartheid and for providing a post-conflict reconciliation.
The UN was influenced by Mandela's emphasis on reconciliation. The United for Human Rights organisation calls him "one of the most recognizable human rights symbols of the 20th century". Being inclusive in his approach, the UN's initiatives for human rights were informed by his ideas. His life struggles against racism aligned with the objectives of the UN's goals. As a strong supporter of anti-discrimination, his advocacy brought forward the plight of the people of South Africa and the UN stepped up in the condemnations of apartheid.
Mandela's involvement in Conflict Resolution and Peacekeeping
Mediation and Negotiation were, to an extent, natural skills possessed by him. He provided assistance through mediation in one such African nation: Burundi. With like-minded leaders, he engaged in the difficult task of bringing the opposition parties to the table. He was the chief negotiator at the table. Consequently, the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement was achieved and signed in August 2000 aimed to end the civil war in the country. His assistance was not limited to his country alone but extended to other African Nations too.
By bringing conflicting groups together and fostering trust, Mandela was able to promote discourse and negotiation as means of reaching a peaceful resolution to crises. He stood for democracy by all means. He said "During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination". It can be stated that the strategy of the UN on peacekeeping that endorses political solutions and the respect for human rights are similar to Mandela's call for diplomacy, reconciliation and peace.
His Legacy in International Diplomacy
Nelson Mandela's leadership and diplomacy turned out to be a great influence on the UN's approach on diplomacy and negotiation. His capacity to forge alliances, encourage communication and find solutions in challenging political environments made him a role model for diplomatic ventures & in the field of conflict resolution. He understood the value of cooperation and the positive role of engagement in the face of conflicts, and this is further carried on by the UN's initiatives.
In his address to the Global Convention on Peace & Nonviolence, on 31st January 2004 at New Delhi, Mandela said "Peace is not just the absence of conflict; peace is the creation of an environment where all can flourish regardless of race, colour, creed, religion, gender, class, caste, or any other social markers of difference". If observed, the UN's peacekeeping and peacebuilding serves these twin objectives, where the former allows for navigation from conflict to peace and the latter fulfils the goal of sustainable peace.
Contemporary relevance of Mandela's influence
At the UN headquarters in New York City, more than 100 Heads of State and Government gathered on 24th September 2018 for a peace summit - Nelson Mandela Peace Summit. Here they adopted a declaration that reinforced the need of peace, justice and an inclusive world as they paid tribute to the late South African President, a phenomenal leader, a reformer, Mr. Nelson Mandela. At this declaration, the period from 2019-2028 is announced as the Nelson Mandela Decade of Peace and applauded his attitude of compassion and forgiveness.
In today's age, this is even more relevant to ensure a peaceful world, a world where human rights are secure, a world where racism does not exist, a world that is more tolerant, a world that is equal and just. The global challenges of the present age can be resolved only with a steadfast commitment to human rights, and not discrimination, to equality instead of prejudice and to multilateralism and inclusivity of various viewpoints. The 21st century needs the democratic principles and diplomatic solutions, and Nelson Mandela's life & work is the steady reminder in front of us.
Sources
https://www.nelsonmandela.org/content/page/biography
http://www.mandela.gov.za/mandela_speeches/1995/951023_unga.htm
https://www.un.org/en/events/mandeladay/un_against_apartheid.shtml
https://www.un.org/africarenewal/news/un-honours-nelson-mandela-champion-peace-reconciliation
https://www.unitedforhumanrights.in/voices-for-human-rights/nelson-mandela.html
https://www.un.org/africarenewal/web-features/mandela%E2%80%99s-struggles-peace-and-justice-africa
https://www.un.org/africarenewal/news/un-honours-nelson-mandela-champion-peace-reconciliation
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mandela-obituary-idINBRE9B417H20131206
https://www.un.org/en/events/mandeladay/decade_of_peace.shtml
Annie Pruthi
Annie Pruthi is currently pursuing her master's in political science from JMI, New Delhi and is a first division Arts graduate from Gargi College, University of Delhi. She is an avid reader and an award-winning best-selling author.
Blogs Home
