UN Human Rights Council Faces Calls for Humanitarian Review of Duterte's ICC Detention
Geneva, Switzerland – During a recent session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), a Japanese researcher delivered a powerful appeal for humanitarian intervention concerning the ongoing detention of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The call urges the international body to reassess the case based on humanitarian grounds and demands temporary release for the former leader.
Appeal for Justice and Release
The plea was formally presented on March 11, 2026, at the UNHRC's General Debate in Geneva by Shunichi Fujiki, a representative of the International Career Support Association (ICSA) and a senior researcher at the International Research Institution of Controversial Histories (iRICH). In his address, Fujiki condemned the circumstances surrounding Duterte's arrest and transfer to the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands, advocating for a humanitarian review of the former president's imprisonment.
"I stand here to denounce the grave injustice. Eighty-year-old former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Philippines, who bravely fought illegal drugs to protect millions, has been unlawfully removed from the homeland and held in prolonged pretrial detention by the ICC in The Hague. This is a political persecution, and not justice. The current administration extradited him without due process, bypassing Philippine courts and violating national sovereignty," Fujiki stated.
He emphasized that Duterte was extradited without proper legal procedures, noting that since March 11, 2025, the elderly leader has endured detention, separated from family while facing serious health issues. Fujiki highlighted global rallies and protests in The Hague and worldwide, which have demanded an interim release, but the ICC has denied this request three times. "This over one year pre-trial detention raises profound questions about compliance with the Rome Statute's guarantees of humane treatment and speedy trial," he added.
Fujiki concluded, "It is an affront to human dignity and an abuse of international justice for political ends. We urge this council to demand a humanitarian review and the interim release of President Duterte. Justice must be fair, not a weapon against the people. The majority of the Filipino voice will not be silenced or depressed. Thank you very much."
Background and Legal Proceedings
Fujiki's statements coincided with the first anniversary of Duterte's arrest on March 11, 2025, at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The ICC issued a warrant for Duterte over alleged crimes against humanity linked to the violent anti-drug campaign during his presidency. Duterte was transferred to The Hague and placed in ICC custody as legal processes continue.
Prosecutors at the international tribunal allege that Duterte is responsible for the crime against humanity of murder in connection with thousands of killings during anti-drug operations from November 2011 to March 2019. This timeline covers his tenure as mayor of Davao City and his presidency from 2016 to 2022.
The ICC maintains jurisdiction over the case despite the Philippines' withdrawal from the court in 2019. Judges have previously ruled that the court retains authority to investigate alleged crimes that occurred while the country was a member of the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC.
Currently, Duterte remains detained at the ICC Detention Centre in The Hague while the court determines whether to proceed to a full trial. Earlier this year, the court held a confirmation-of-charges hearing from February 23 to February 27, 2026. During these proceedings, prosecutors presented evidence they claim connects Duterte to extrajudicial killings during the drug war, while the defense argued that the allegations are politically motivated and lack sufficient legal basis.
Future Legal Steps and Health Concerns
The ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber is expected to decide in the coming months whether to formally confirm the charges. If judges determine that prosecutors have presented enough evidence, the case will advance to a full trial before another chamber of the court.
Duterte's legal team has repeatedly requested interim release, citing his age and reported health issues. However, the ICC Appeals Chamber recently rejected this appeal, ruling that the defense failed to provide new reasons justifying the former president's release while proceedings continue.
