Philippines: Türk says arrest of former President Duterte is important step toward accountability

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk today welcomed the announcement by the International Criminal Court that it had taken into custody former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, who is charged with a series of murders amounting to crimes against humanity during campaigns against illegal drugs between 2011 and 2019.

“This is a very important step towards seeking accountability for the thousands of victims of killings and other abuses, as well as their families who have courageously pursued justice,” the High Commissioner said.

“The extremely serious charges against him will now be addressed fairly and independently, in full accordance with the law,” he added.

Türk commended the Philippines Government for its cooperation in implementing the international warrant against Duterte. He also stressed the importance, as Court proceedings move ahead, of protecting victims and witnesses in the Philippines, and preventing reprisals and retribution of any kind against them.

“The so-called war on drugs undertaken under Duterte’s leadership – first in Davao and then across the country – has long been of concern to our Office. We welcome the positive changes in the area of drug policy that the current Government has subsequently pursued,” he added.