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UN PhotoOHCHR / PHILIPPINES PRESIDENT DUTERTE ARREST
STORY: OHCHR / PHILIPPINES PRESIDENT DUTERTE ARREST
TRT: 01:45
SOURCE: OHCHR / UNTV CH
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH / NATS
DATELINE: 11 MARCH 2025 GENEVA, SWITZERLAND
1. Wide shot, Palais des Nations
2. Wide shot, briefing room
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Ravina Shamdasani, Spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR):
“Yes. Of course. We are aware that the Philippines authorities have announced the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte on a warrant that was issued by the International Criminal Court. We have long documented the severe human rights impact of the so-called war on drugs, in the Philippines. In a report that we had put out in 2020, we found credible allegations of widespread and systematic extrajudicial killings in the context of this campaign, as well as arbitrary detention, and the near total impunity for such violations. Subsequently, we do welcome the positive changes in the area of drug policy that the current government has pursued. On accountability, however, what we have seen is that, despite steps to review past cases, we understand that only four cases have so far resulted in convictions. It is of course crucial to address such impunity. It is essential that the next steps with respect to Mr. Duterte are undertaken in full accordance with the law, including applicable international human rights obligations of the Philippines. We do stress the importance of protecting victims and witnesses and preventing reprisals and retributions of any kind. As this important process moves forward, the families of those affected have shown great courage in pursuing justice over many years, and it is crucial that they are protected as this process moves forward.”
4. Wide shot, briefing room
Ravina Shamdasani UN Human Rights spokesperson stated that her office was aware of the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The human rights Spokesperson said, “We have long documented the severe human rights impact of the so-called war on drugs, in the Philippines,” adding that “In a report that we had put out in 2020, we found credible allegations of widespread and systematic extrajudicial killings in the context of this campaign, as well as arbitrary detention, and the near total impunity for such violations.”
“Subsequently, we do welcome the positive changes in the area of drug policy that the current government has pursued. On accountability, however, what we have seen is that, despite steps to review past cases, we understand that only four cases have so far resulted in convictions. It is of course crucial to address such impunity. It is essential that the next steps with respect to Mr. Duterte are undertaken in full accordance with the law, including applicable international human rights obligations of the Philippines. We do stress the importance of protecting victims and witnesses and preventing reprisals and retributions of any kind. As this important process moves forward, the families of those affected have shown great courage in pursuing justice over many years, and it is crucial that they are protected as this process moves forward,” Shamdasani stated.
On 4 June 2020 the High Commissioner office published a report detailing a wide range of human rights violations, harassment and attacks against human rights defenders and civil society, and widespread impunity.
The report, which was mandated by a UN Human Rights Council resolution, noted that many of the human rights concerns it has documented are long-standing, but had become more acute in recent years. This has been manifested particularly starkly in the widespread and systematic killing of thousands of alleged drug suspects. Numerous human rights defenders had also been killed.
