Mission Accomplished? Fifty-four Years of Suffering for the People of the Marshall Islands and the Latest Round of Endless Reconciliation
Babione, John C. (2000-01-01). "Mission Accomplished? Fifty-four Years of Suffering for the People of the Marshall Islands and the Latest Round of Endless Reconciliation". Indiana International & Comparative Law Review. 11 (1): 115–144. doi:10.18060/17715. ISSN 2169-3226.
- Has attachment: File:DCDSZPFE.pdf
Abstract: “Mission Accomplished? Fifty-four Years of Suffering for the People of the Marshall Islands and the Latest Round of Endless Reconciliation” details the United States’ historical and ongoing responsibilities toward the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) following the environmental and health impacts of nuclear testing.
The note analyzes the RMI’s position that existing agreements, specifically the Compact of Free Association and the Section 177 Agreement, are inadequate for addressing the long-term consequences of nuclear testing. It highlights the complex historical relationship between the United States and the Marshall Islands, pointing out abuses during the trust period and the resulting injuries and suffering, including health and ecological damage. The paper emphasizes the current inadequacies of U.S. support and urges Congress to reassess and potentially increase funding due to fiduciary and moral obligations.
Several obstacles persist in evaluating the full impact of the injuries, such as the focus on acutely exposed victims, lack of reliable reports, and classified information. The inadequacy of compensation through the Nuclear Claims Tribunal is also mentioned. Recommendations include directing the U.S. Department of Energy to improve cleanup standards and provide greater transparency in environmental monitoring, alongside requests for enhanced healthcare support and a nationwide cancer registry.
Ultimately, the conclusion argues for greater leniency in upholding the standard of “manifest inadequacy” when considering the RMI’s requests for further assistance, reinforcing the United States’ moral and fiduciary duties to rectify past harms.
Extra details:
MAG: 2613424769 OpenAlex: W2613424769 CorpusID: 185945989 QID: Q127710588
