apartheid practised by the racist regime of South Africa. That was the only country to have institution­ alized racial discrimination with a whole set of racist laws. Furthermore, the South African racist authori­ ties had for years been engaged in the bloody repression of the black people who were demanding equal treatment. The massacres perpetrated by the racist regime had revealed its sinister nature. Its criminal acts had aroused tremendous indignation throughout the world. The struggle of the South African people against racial discrimination and apartheid was gaining increasing support, the force of which had become irresistible. 29. Faced with external pressure and internal resist­ ance, the South African authorities had initiated so­ called "reforms" in order to mislead international public opinion, entrench the apartheid system and step up repression against the black people. Since the South African Government had adopted the so-called "new Constitution" in September 1984, the situation had deteriorated further. The assertion that apartheid could be reformed was nothing but a manoeuvre designed to perpetuate the racist regime in South Africa. 30. The South African authorities had not only stepped up repression and persecution at home but had also carried out acts of aggression, interference, harassment and sabotage abroad. They had flouted Security Council resolution 435 ( 1978) by continuing their illegal occupation of Namibia and had mounted repeated armed provocations against neighbouring States. The racist regime was the root cause of the turbulent situation in southern Africa and its conduct seriously threatened international peace and security. In addition to strongly denouncing the South African authorities, the international community should take concrete steps to impose comprehensive and manda-8th meeting-1 May 1986 37 tory sanctions against the racist regime in order to force it to end its criminal conduct. 31. His Government firmly supported the South 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a political statement or a diplomatic document, criticizing the apartheid regime in South Africa and calling for international action against it. The focus is on the political and social aspects of the situation, with mentions of repression, persecution, and international peace and security.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, International trade