Joint Statement – NAPUD and IDUCARE in support of ICC’s decision to arrest Duterte for his crime against humanity
Wednesday, 12 March 2025
The Network of Asian People who Use Drugs (NAPUD) and IDUCARE (a civil society organization in the Philippines) welcome and support the ICC's decision to arrest Duterte for his crime against humanity. The decision is a significant milestone and affirms that no individual, regardless of position or power, is above the law. The ICC's intervention and decision have renewed our faith in the international justice system.
On 11 March 2025, the Philippines' former President Rodrigo Duterte was sent to The Hague hours after his arrest in Manila at the request of the International Criminal Court (ICC) as part of its probe into a "war on drugs" that defined his presidency through 2016 - 2022. Duterte could become the first Asian former head of state to go on trial at the ICC.
We recognize that Duterte is responsible for egregious human rights violations, extrajudicial killings, and abuses of power. His nationwide 'war on drugs' campaign resulted in the loss of over thirty thousand lives and directly affected millions of Filipinos, especially the poorest.
Mr. Johann Nadela, the Executive Director of IDUCARE said,
"As CSOs and citizens of this great nation, we must ensure accountability for all cases of extrajudicial killings and that justice is served for the victims and their families. The harrowing effects of EJKs during Dutere's war on drugs campaign have left scars on our community which must not be ignored." He added, "In pursuit of justice, we must revisit and amend the 'Republic Act 9165' and the 'Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, 2002' to prevent the recurrence of such a dark chapter in the history of our country."
Mr. Abou Mere, the Chairperson of NAPUD said,
"Justice must prevail over impunity and let this be a strong message to all governments who adopt a war on drugs approach. Every war on drugs is a war on people who use drugs, especially those already marginalized and vulnerable socio-economically."
Leila de Lima, a former justice minister who was jailed under Duterte, months after she led a Senate investigation into the killings, said the families of victims were courageous in bringing him to justice. "Your voices mattered, your courage mattered," she said. (Source: Reuters)
We believe that by strengthening laws and institutions, the Philippines can set a new course of human rights- and public health-based approaches to drug use, which protect the rights and dignity of all citizens.
NAPUD and IDUCARE will continue efforts in reforming drug laws and policies in the Philippines and across the Asia region.
As a concerned community member, I fully support the ICC’s decision to arrest Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity. His brutal “war on drugs” caused immense suffering, with thousands of lives lost and communities devastated. This landmark decision reinforces that no leader is above the law and that justice must prevail over impunity. The victims and their families deserve accountability, and this action by the ICC restores hope in the international justice system. I stand with all those advocating for human rights, dignity, and a shift towards humane, public health-centered drug policies.
No one has the right to take extrajudicial action, let alone murder in the name of the war on drugs. Our concern over what Duterte is doing, ultimately answered by the international criminal court with appropriate steps.
The Indian Drug Users’ Forum (IDUF) welcomes and fully supports the ICC’s decision to arrest former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity. This arrest is a landmark moment in global justice, affirming that state-led violence and extrajudicial killings in the name of drug control will not go unpunished.
Duterte’s so-called “war on drugs” led to the deaths of over 30,000 people, targeting the most vulnerable and leaving families and communities devastated. His policies were marked by brutality, impunity, and a complete disregard for human rights. The ICC’s intervention is a step toward justice for the victims and a clear message to world leaders that systematic violence against people who use drugs will have consequences.
IDUF stands in solidarity with all those who have fought tirelessly for accountability and with the families who have suffered unimaginable loss. We support this historic action by the ICC and call for continued efforts to ensure justice, dignity, and human rights for all.
I fully support ICC decision.
Now time to say…
” Punish who don’t support us “
Now time to say,
” Punish who don’t support us “