Statement of Rights under International Law

Under international law, civilians affected by toxic remnants of war — including those experiencing long-term and intergenerational harm — have the right to recognition, access to information, protection from further harm, equal access to justice, and an effective remedy, including investigation, accountability, rehabilitation, and compensation.

These rights do not expire with time, are not limited by domestic policy, and apply irrespective of when exposure occurred.

These rights are reflected in current UN guidance on toxic remnants of war and long-term civilian harm.

(UN Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights, October 2025)

https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/10/toxic-remnants-war-pose-grave-threat-human-rights-and-environment-un-expert

International law → UN expert interpretation → present-day obligation