Nauru: environmental damage under international trusteeship

Abstract

This partial summary of the ten-volume Report of the Commission of Inquiry on the Rehabilitation of Phosphate Lands in Nauru covers the responsibilities of various powers which controlled Nauru, from 1906--when phosphate mining began--to the island's independence. It also discusses the feasibility and execution of land rehabilitation. Weeramantry examines a number of facets related to international law--mandate and trusteeship, environmental law, abuse of power, unjust enrichment, acquired rights and permanent sovereignty over national resources. Probably the most detailed practical study of an international mandate and trusteeship ever conducted, the importance of these issues gives this work a significance reaching far beyond Nauru itself.