2026 - 80th Anniversary of Nauruan Return from Chuuk

During World War II, Nauru was occupied by Japanese forces in 1942. The occupation disrupted vital supplies, imposed strict control and subjected the island to heavy bombing.

In 1943, tragedy deepened when about 1,200 Nauruans were forcibly exiled to Chuuk. Harsh conditions like starvation, food shortages and forced labour that has led to the deaths of more than 400 people. When the survivors finally returned home in 1946, only about 700 Nauruans came back alive.

The people of Nauru continue to remember and honor their relatives, silently mourning that darkest chapter in the nation’s history. It remains one of the most important events in Nauru’s national memory, a lasting reminder of resilience and the enduring spirit of the Nauruan people.