ICC Victims' Advocate Stresses Human Dignity in Drug War Cases
During the second day of the confirmation of charges hearing at the International Criminal Court (ICC) against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, victims' counsel Paolina Massidda delivered a powerful statement, asserting that those killed in the war on drugs are not just statistics but individuals whose fundamental rights were severely violated. Representing victims of extrajudicial killings, Massidda highlighted the profound human impact of these alleged crimes, speaking on behalf of families unable to attend the proceedings.
Voices of the Unheard: Families and Survivors
Massidda articulated that she was giving voice to mothers who buried their children, orphans left behind, and widows who endured prolonged fear and silence. She emphasized that the victims are appearing as people whose rights under the Rome Statute have been infringed upon, rather than as simple numbers in official reports. To underscore this point, she read a testimony from a mother who was denied the chance to touch her child's body, describing how the victim was stripped of dignity even in death.
Allegations of Systematic and Planned Killings
In her address, Massidda reinforced the prosecution's claims, stating that the killings were widespread, systematic, and planned. She supported the assertion that former President Duterte bears responsibility for crimes against humanity, arguing that the evidence points to a coordinated effort that violated international law. This testimony aims to humanize the victims and challenge any perception of the drug war as merely a numerical tally, urging the court to recognize the grave injustices faced by countless individuals and their families.
