Jihadist who razed Timbuktu tombs readies for judgment

War crimes judges will deliver a historic judgment on Tuesday against a Malian jihadist who admitted attacking Timbuktu's fabled shrines, in a case which could send a strong message against cultural destruction.

Around the globe, 55 places are on UNESCO's list of endangered sites and fears are growing for other monuments caught in the crossfire in Iraq and Syria.

Protection of such treasures "is about more than shielding stones and buildings - it is a part of our effort to defend human rights and save people's lives," UN chief Ban Ki-moon told a recent event at the United Nations on protecting cultural heritage.