Human rights organisations call for UN-organised investigation into Beirut explosion – JURIST

Human rights groups and families of victims of the Beirut port explosion in August 2020 called for a United Nations-led international investigation into human rights violations related to the blast in a statement released on Monday. The joint letter called on UN Human Rights Council member states to introduce a resolution during the current session to establish an independent commission of inquiry to address obstruction of the official investigation by Lebanese officials.

The August 4 explosion, which killed at least 200 people and injured an estimated 7,000 others, was believed to have been caused by the ignition of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate that had been improperly stored at the port. Less than a week after the disaster, Human Rights Watch (HRW) called for an investigation into the explosion, and the Lebanese government resigned amid widespread protests and allegations of corruption.

In 2023, a statement was issued to the UN Human Rights Council on behalf of 38 countries expressing concern about “systemic obstruction, interference, intimidation and a political impasse” in the Lebanese investigation and calling for measures to be taken to ensure the independence and impartiality of the Lebanese judiciary.

Human rights groups, survivors and families of victims published a similar joint letter in August 2023, highlighting the lack of progress in the investigation and the inaction of the Lebanese authorities in ensuring judicial freedom. “On the third anniversary of the explosion, we are no closer to justice and accountability for the disaster that destroyed half of the capital,” the letter said. “Instead, the Lebanese authorities have repeatedly interfered with, obstructed and undermined the domestic investigation.”

The current session of the UN Human Rights Council lasts until 12 July 2024 and will meet again in September for its 57th regular session.