Abstract

The Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage of 1972 (hereinafter the 'World Heritage Convention') obliges State parties to protect world heritage for future generations. However, if a State party fails to comply with such obligations, there is no dispute settlement mechanism expressly identified in the Convention. Additionally, the destruction of world heritage sites has taken place on several occasions, being the most recent example the destruction seen in Timbuktu, Mali. In the seminal Barcelona Traction case, the International Court of ...