Philippines: Hybrid event on the Human Rights Situation and the ICC

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is confronted with charges for crimes against humanity for his brutal “War on Drugs”. We have invited human rights journalist and researcher Carlos Conde to talk with us about the pre-trial hearings, prospects for justice for the victims and the current human rights situation in the Philippines. The philippinenbüro and the Action Network Human Rights - Philippines (AMP) invite you to attend in person or via zoom.

What happened and what will happen at the ICC in The Hague

In March 2025, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested for charges of crimes against humanity in the context of his ‘war on drugs’ campaign (2011-2019) and surrendered to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Duterte’s ‘war on drugs’ campaign as Philippine President alone claimed thousands of lives in the Philippines. Estimates range between 6,252 according to government numbers and 30,000 victims based on documentations of civil society and human rights organizations. Most of the victims of this campaign were from the poorer population strata, which is why local human rights organizations have also called the “war on drugs” a war on the poor.

The ICC Chamber has scheduled the confirmation of charges hearing for 23 to 27 February 2026. The purpose of the confirmation of charges procedure is to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe that the person committed the crimes he or she is suspected of. If the charges are confirmed, totally or partly, the case will be transferred to a Trial Chamber, which will conduct the subsequent phase of the proceedings: the trial.

What do we mean when we talk about the Human Rights Situation in the Philippines

In the third year of Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s presidency, serious human rights issues in the Philippines remain unresolved. Despite its pro-human rights rhetoric, the Philippine government has failed to address past and ongoing human rights violations. The arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte and his transfer to the ICC are important steps toward justice in the Philippines. However, fundamental structural reforms and clear criminal justice outcomes, such as convictions of perpetrators of extrajudicial killings, are still lacking.

The country faces a number of challenges such as extreme social inequality, inflation, displacement of communities due to aggressive so-called development projects and mining activities as well as due to the climate crisis to name but a few. People who raise their voices and defend their communities, fight for decent wages, safety and against corruption have to fear harassment, vilification, fabricated criminal charges, arrest, and even killings or enforced disappearances.

When & Where

March 2, 2026 at 5pm
Asienhaus, Hohenzollernring 52, Cologne
The office is accessible through an elevator.

How to register

Please send an email to humanrights.education@amp.ngo