Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested in Manila on Monday by Philippine authorities acting on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). While the case against Duterte primarily focuses on his deadly war on drugs, 2024 Right Livelihood Laureate and Indigenous rights defender Joan Carling has urged international prosecutors to widen their investigation to include his broader record of human rights violations.
In a statement issued to Right Livelihood following Duterte’s detention, Carling emphasised that Duterte’s crimes extend beyond the thousands of extrajudicial killings linked to his anti-drug campaign.
“This is an important step toward acknowledging the suffering of the countless victims and their families who endured the brutality of his drug war,” she said. “It sends a strong message to the international community that impunity will not be tolerated and that those who abuse their power will face justice.”
Carling, who was among the human rights defenders targeted by Duterte’s administration, highlighted the need for justice for Indigenous Peoples, women and activists who were persecuted under his rule.
“As one of the victims of his attacks on human rights defenders, branded as terrorists for simply defending our rights, it is critical that the investigation extends to the widespread human rights violations committed against Indigenous Peoples, women, and all those who stood up for human rights and justice,” she said.
Duterte’s presidency, which spanned from 2016 to 2022, was marred by widespread human rights abuses, including the red-tagging of activists, forced displacements of Indigenous communities, and the suppression of dissent.
Carling described the former leader’s prosecution as a significant victory not only for the targets of his brutal drug war but also for those who suffered under his broader repressive policies.
“This prosecution is not only a victory for the Philippines but a reaffirmation of the international community’s commitment to upholding human rights and justice,” she said.
