On 4 August, 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, detonated by fireworks catching fire, ripped through vast swathes of Beirut and caused immense damage to the usually bustling areas of Gemmayze and Mar Mikhaël. It rendered more than 300,000 people homeless and killed 220, with more than 7,000 injured or missing. The explosion has destroyed Lebanon’s largest port, which is responsible for handling more than 80% of its imports, from fuel to grain. It is unclear how a country already experiencing a severe economic depression, with GDP expected to shrink by more than 11% this year, can manage the loss of such an integral piece of national infrastructure.

In this calamitous context, attention has turned to the investigation into the cause of the explosion, and in particular who should carry it out? The answer to this question and outcome of the investigation will have a profound impact on Lebanon’s short and long-term political stability.

The Fabian International Policy Group and the Young Fabians look forward to hosting an event to further this discussion and the political momentum for an international investigation to bring justice for victims.

Join us on 25 Aug 7pm to hear thoughts from our expert panel:

- Wayne David MP, Shadow Minister for the Middle East

- Anna McMorrin MP, Shadow Minister for International Development
- Aya Majzoub, North Africa and Middle East Researcher for Human Rights Watch,
- Georges Ghali, board member for Lebanese non-profit human rights watchdog ALEF: Act for Human Rights
- Nada Abdelsater-Abusamra, international human rights lawyer.

There will be a Q and A opening to the floor after questions from the chairs.

Chairs:

- Cecilia Jastrzembska, International Policy Group Committee, Young Fabians Environment Committee
- Alexander Hogg, Former YF Law Network Chair