Former United Nations Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard revisited what she described as a successful collaboration between human rights advocates, lawyers, civil society organizations, and journalists that led to holding former President Rodrigo Duterte accountable.
In an interview, Callamard said the arrest of the former president serves as proof that no one is above the law and that justice will eventually be served, no matter how long it takes.
She recalled the series of human rights violations allegedly committed during Duterte’s administration, where victims had long been seeking justice.
Callamard cited Duterte’s arrest as a triumph for the victims of the drug war who, with the help of lawyers and human rights defenders, were able to gather key pieces of evidence used to pursue the case.
The former UN Special Rapporteur also recalled being personally criticized by Duterte during his presidency.
She noted that Duterte had attacked almost everyone who criticized him—former U.S. President Barack Obama, journalists, human rights advocates, and even the International Criminal Court (ICC) itself.
It can be recalled that in 2018, Duterte’s administration rejected Callamard’s request to investigate the alleged extrajudicial killings tied to the anti-drug campaign in the Philippines.
This came in response to a call by 30 Western countries urging the Philippines to allow a UN-led investigation into the thousands of deaths linked to the drug war.
Callamard said Duterte’s arrest revives hope for the human rights community to persevere in its work despite mounting criticism and challenges.
She emphasized that while she was not able to personally investigate the controversial drug war, there are human rights advocates like the ICC prosecutor who have continued efforts to probe the widespread abuses during the previous administration.
According to Callamard, Duterte’s case being brought before the ICC is a victory for all who fight for human rights across the globe.