Toxic waste from mining activities and nuclear testing can contaminate the land and water of communities for decades. Serious health effects and pollution interrupt traditional ways of life, according to reports from two UN experts.

Amid growing atrocities and little evidence that the Syrian Government is living up to its commitment to stop the ongoing violence, United Nations officials urge the world community to act with one voice to end the crisis.

States must find a balance between their duty to protect and the responsibility to guarantee freedoms says Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Kyung-wha Kang addressing a conference in the Middle East.