As Lebanon marks four years since the devastating Beirut Port explosion, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert met with families of some of the victims. During the emotional encounter, families shared their harrowing stories of loss and their ongoing pursuit of truth, justice, and accountability.

“The tragedy of the Beirut Port explosion reverberated throughout the world. For me to hear testimonies of the families and bear witness to this painful anniversary is deeply moving,” Hennis-Plasschaert said. She expressed deep empathy for the victims, noting the additional pain caused by the continued lack of accountability.

“It is also agonizing to see them re-victimized by the failure, thus far, to deliver justice,” she added. “Frankly, the complete lack of accountability for such a manmade disaster is staggering. One would expect the concerned authorities to work tirelessly to lift all barriers—structural or political—but the opposite is happening.”

In her remarks, Hennis-Plasschaert reiterated the call of UN Secretary-General António Guterres for an impartial, thorough, and transparent investigation to deliver truth, justice, and accountability. She emphasized the necessity of an independent and well-functioning judiciary in Lebanon, alongside other empowered and effective state institutions.