Abstract
The right to life is recognised in International Human Rights Law (IHRL) as the "supreme right." It is considered a jus cogens norm, fundamental for both individuals and society as a whole. IHRL provides a general guarantee of the right to life. To effectively protect it, the state must take all feasible measures to prevent violations of the right to life and to respond to them. This includes investigating incidents and, when appropriate, prosecuting and punishing those responsible.
The Beirut Port explosion on 4 August 2020 was one of the most powerful non-nuclear explosions in history. It resulted in the deaths of over 200 individuals, including Lebanese nationals and people from other countries. Approximately 7,000 individuals were injured, and the explosion had devastating humanitarian consequences.
This article examines Lebanon's responsibilities regarding the Beirut Port explosion from the perspective of the right to life in IHRL. It assesses the state's actions, or lack thereof, prior to the explosion, specifically whether Lebanon failed to implement necessary measures to prevent foreseeable risks to life. The article also analyses the obligations that emerge following the explosion, particularly focusing on whether the national investigation and access to justice comply with Lebanon's international commitments. In summary, did Lebanon neglect its duty to prevent and investigate violations of the right to life connected to the Beirut Port explosion?
It has been observed that Lebanese authorities did not adequately assess the risks associated with ammonium nitrate and failed to store it safely. Despite receiving warnings, they did not remove the cargo, which was improperly handled in close proximity to flammable materials and populated areas. Additionally, the domestic investigation following the explosion has not met international standards. There are various procedural and systemic flaws, including the immunity granted to high-ranking political officials, violations of due process, and a fundamental lack of independence within the judiciary.
The article, therefore, concludes that Lebanon has failed to protect the right to life by not preventing the explosion and inadequately investigating it, thereby establishing its responsibility. International law emphasises that victims of human rights violations have the right to a remedy and reparations, rooted in the principle of "ubi jus, ibi remedium" (where there is a right, there is a remedy). States are obligated to provide reparations for serious violations of IHRL.
A key principle in international law is that reparations should strive to fully restore the harmed party (restitutio in integrum). This involves addressing both material and moral damages, such as the pain caused by the loss of loved ones. International law recognises four forms of reparatory measures: restitution, compensation, satisfaction, and rehabilitation.
Keywords
Right to Life, State Responsibility, Preventing Violations of Human Rights, Investigating Violations of the Right to Life, Beirut Port Explosion
Recommended Citation
Ali W. Dib,
(2026)
"THE STATE’S RESPONSIBILITY TO PREVENT AND INVESTIGATE VIOLATIONS OF THE RIGHT TO LIFE IN THE BEIRUT PORT EXPLOSION,"
BAU Journal - Journal of Legal Studies - مجلة الدراسات القانونية: Vol. 2025
, Article 1.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54729/2958-4884.1150