On July 22–23, 2025, SAM for Rights and Liberties, with support from the DT Institute, organized a series of trauma support sessions for survivors and families affected by the tragic incident of the oil tank explosion in Taiz. The sessions, held at Al-Majd Hall in Taiz, were part of the “SPARK” project, which aims to foster justice and community reconciliation.

The sessions targeted both direct survivors and families of those missing from the tragic incident of the oil tank explosion, with activities conducted in separate groups based on gender to ensure sensitivity to psychological and social needs. A team of professional psychologists provided specialized primary care designed to help participants cope with trauma, while also assessing indicators of psychological and behavioral recovery.

The program included both individual and group debriefing activities, held in a safe and supportive environment that encouraged open emotional expression. These efforts aimed to empower participants to process their trauma and regain emotional balance.

SAM emphasized that these activities are part of a comprehensive approach to community recovery, underscoring that mental health support is as vital as legal and human rights documentation, particularly amid the ongoing suffering caused by the blockade and its associated traumas.

These sessions form a key component of SAM’s initiative related to the tragic incident of the oil tank explosion, which seeks not only to document the incident and preserve the memory of its victims but also to push for accountability while providing both psychological and legal support to survivors and their families. This initiative reflects SAM’s broader vision for advancing transitional justice in Yemen.