A step towards justice: KAIROS and partners welcome ICC arrest of former Philippine President Duterte
KAIROS welcomes the arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with the thousands of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines during the “War on Drugs,” constituting crimes against humanity.
We stand in solidarity with the people of the Philippines, particularly those who have suffered unspeakable loss and violence. We recognize that this historic moment is due to the courage and tireless work of families and human rights organizations for justice for the victims..
We amplify the statement of our partners, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) and EcuVoice. They were speaking out against President Duterte’s “war on drugs” as early as 2016. We join NCCP in commending their partner organization, Rise Up for Rights and Life (Rise Up), “for their tireless and selfless commitment in accompanying and working with the mothers and family members of victims of Tokhang, who have cried for justice many times over.”
The ICC’s arrest warrant is the result of years of investigation and extensive evidence gathered by the International Peoples’ Tribunals, Investigate PH, and the UN Human Rights Council, alongside the filing of cases by victims and human rights groups.
KAIROS is a member of the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP)- Canada. We echo their statement calling on the Philippine government to fully cooperate with the ICC’s legal process and ensure due process and a fair trial.
Together with the United Church of Canada and other churches in Canada we reiterate our growing concerns about human rights violations and attacks against human rights defenders by the Philippines state and we call on Canada to review its military support to this country.
We conclude with the words of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines:
We hope that this serves as an inspiration for all, and that truth and justice will prevail in the end, thus, reinforcing the lesson that authoritarian regimes and their supporters shall not endure forever.
For more information:
ICHRP Welcomes Duterte’s Arrest: A Landmark Step Towards Justice
UCC: Statement on the Arrest of Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte
Amnesty International: Philippines: Former President Duterte’s arrest a monumental step for justice
