In April 1960 , the UN 's conservative stance on apartheid changed following the Sharpeville massacre , and the Security Council for the first time agreed on concerted action against the apartheid regime , demanding an end to racial separation and discrimination . On 7 August 1963 , the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 181 , calling for a voluntary arms embargo against South Africa . From 1964 onwards , the US and the UK discontinued their arms trade with South Africa . The Security Council also condemned the Soweto massacre in Resolution 392 . In 1977 , the voluntary UN arms embargo became mandatory with the passing of Resolution 418
Sharpeville massacre
Sharpeville massacre
Apartheid