Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied
After tireless work by courageous journalists, human rights lawyers, church workers, and the grieving women of Rise Up for Life and Rights, the former president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, was arrested by the International Criminal Court (ICC). However, the trial was delayed when Duterte’s lawyers argued that he was “unfit for trial.” This kind of tactic to evade justice is exactly what many human rights activists had feared.
The International Coalition of Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) is urging the ICC to “deflect all spurious manoeuvres by the accused to delay his trial, and to urgently re-start the trial process.”
“The ICC case against Duterte is a historic opportunity to affirm the primacy of human rights and the rule of law. International solidarity remains vital in amplifying the voices of victims, strengthening grassroots movements, and ensuring that impunity is replaced with justice.” — KAIROS Canada
Rev. Dr. Japhet Ndhlovu, Executive Minister of Church in Mission with the United Church, said: “We stand with our Filipino siblings in their call for truth, accountability, and the protection of human dignity. Our hope is that the ICC will uphold the rule of law and ensure that justice is done.”
This is a moment for us to stand with the Filipino people, and with the global community, in calling for truth, accountability, and justice. Furthermore, The United Church of Canada’s partners in the Philippines continue to work for a just and lasting peace, and this trial is a crucial step in that process.
We can add our voices to this call for justice by signing an open letter drafted by ICHRP.
Act
If you feel inspired, please consider signing ICHRP’s open letter demanding full accountability for Duterte and others complicit in human rights and international humanitarian law violations.