LAW releases first of a kind report on the Beirut explosion, on behalf of victims

On 16 November, LAW released the first comprehensive report gathering all available facts relating to the 4 August Beirut explosion and the domestic investigation thus far. The report has been submitted to key individuals at the UN, and to representatives of key member states.

Read LAW’s Press release here

Together with key facts, the report sets out the five key requests of the victims group Victims of the Beirut August Massacre,  which are as follows:

1. To dispatch, without delay, an independent and impartial fact-finding mission, leveraging global expertise, to establish the facts and circumstances, including the root causes of, the 4 August 2020 Beirut explosion with a view to establishing state and individual responsibility and supporting justice for victims.
2. That the Government of Lebanon do not destroy or render inaccessible any evidence related to the 4 August 2020 Beirut explosion, and issue clear, public and unequivocal instructions to all government authorities and security forces that all evidence must secured and preserved. Any investigation will be required to consider the destruction of evidence.
3. That victims are ensured representation and participation in any proceedings arising from investigations, including civil or criminal proceedings before a competent court or tribunal, or any public inquiry;
4. That member states, specifically: the United States of America and France or other members states who have conducted investigations into the 4 August 2020 Beirut port explosion, should report publicly on all evidence gathered by their state agents. As a minimum key findings should be released to victims as defined under the Basic Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Remedy and Reparation for Victims of Gross Violations of International Human Rights Law and Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law, and their families;
5. That the Government of Lebanon should acknowledge and provide a full, public apology to victims and seek their views on the establishment of a memorial. It should also urgently adopt a comprehensive policy and package of measures regarding the fulfilment of the right to reparation of victims.

Read the full report here