A/HRC/7/21 page 12 Chernobyl and Bhopal. Individuals, communities and neighbouring countries must have information regarding the full extent of environmental impact of proposed development projects in their regions in order to participate meaningfully in decisions that could expose them to increased pollution, environmental degradation and other such effects. Individuals, communities and neighbouring countries must have information regarding pollutants and wastes associated with industrial and agricultural processes. The Special Rapporteur considers it a clear duty of the State to disclose such information. 38. In developing countries, the Special Rapporteur notes the frequent violation of the right to information regarding the transboundary movement of wastes and dangerous products. Among other things, the Special Rapporteur notes with great concern that toxic wastes and dangerous products are often not labelled in the local language, which further exposes the population to severe health and environmental risks. In addition, it must be mentioned that hazardous products and wastes in developing nations are frequently dumped in rural and isolated areas, where there is a high prevalence of illiteracy and inadequate information. 39. Widespread political instability in many developing countries means that vital information that is necessary to the health, environment and well-being of the population is often withheld from the public, apparently on the grounds that it is necessary to uphold national security, and prevent civil unrest. In his previous report to the Council (A/HRC/5/5), the Special Rapporteur stated that one of the consequences of armed conflicts was the trafficking of dangerous products and wastes and their illicit dumping. Armed conflicts can also have a negative impact on the right to information and participation, which in turn increases the likelihood that toxic wastes and products will be illicitly moved and dumped. 40. Although the media could play an indispensable role in information dissemination in communities, countries and regions, as well as both the rural and urban areas about the illegal movement of hazardous products and wastes, it is often the case in developing countries that the freedom of the press is severely curtailed or simply does not exist. 41. The rights to information and participation, and their particular importance for both human rights and environment matters, are, however, well reflected in the international legal framework, in both human rights law and environmental law. Some basic elements of that legal framework and the importance of monitoring mechanisms are described below. A. Legal framework 1. International instruments 42. The right to information is frequently presented as an individual and group right that constitutes an essential feature of democratic processes and of the right to participation in public life. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; that right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. Article 21 of the Declaration would be rendered meaningless unless individuals and groups have access to relevant information on which to base the exercise of the vote or otherwise express the will of the people.