KAIROS joins global call for justice in historic ICC hearing on Duterte, former president of the Philippines
On September 23, in The Hague, the International Criminal Court (ICC) will hold a critical hearing to determine whether charges against Rodrigo Duterte, the former Philippine President, will proceed. This moment represents a vital step toward accountability for the thousands of extrajudicial killings and human rights violations committed during his administration.
In March of this year the ICC arrested Mr. Duterte in connection with the thousands of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines during the government’s “war on drugs,” constituting crimes against humanity. At that time KAIROS wrote a statement supporting this decision in solidarity with the victims and their families, as well as human rights and faith organizations who have worked tirelessly for justice.
KAIROS stands with faith communities, human rights and ecumenical partners in the Philippines, and with the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP), of which we are a member, to ensure that victims and their families are not silenced. Together, we urge the ICC to address these charges fully, transparently, and without delay.
The charges against former President Duterte reflect extremely grave violations of international law. It is essential that the judicial process proceeds in full accordance with the rules of evidence, guaranteeing that the facts are heard, tested and judged fairly.
While presented as a campaign against narcotics, Duterte’s so-called “war on drugs” institutionalized a system of state-sanctioned killings. Police and military forces were empowered to act with impunity, extending violence far beyond alleged drug offenders to include political activists, human rights defenders, union organizers, Indigenous leaders, journalists and church leaders, lawyers and any dissenting voices.
Duterte’s administration waged a multi-front “war against the people” under the guise of public security. The victims of these policies are thus innumerable.
The initial arrest of Duterte is a testament to the courage and perseverance of survivors and victims’ families. Despite systemic impunity in the Philippines, they have continued to press their case before the international community, ensuring that their voices cannot be silenced.
The ICC case against Duterte is a historic opportunity to affirm the primacy of human rights and the rule of law. International solidarity remains vital in amplifying the voices of victims, strengthening grassroots movements and ensuring that impunity is replaced with justice.
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