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The International Criminal Court (ICC) has recently seen an increase in opposition to the Philippines’ appeal to reject an investigation into its ‘drug war’. The ICC counsel for victims, Pilar Rueda, is one of the latest figures to join the movement against the appeal.
Since 2016, the Philippine government has been conducting a campaign against illegal drugs, which has resulted in thousands of deaths. In 2019, the ICC prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, opened a preliminary examination into the situation in the country. This prompted the Philippine government to submit a petition to the court asking it to reject the examination.
Rueda has now joined other human rights groups and individuals in opposing this petition. She argued that the ICC should be allowed to investigate allegations of serious crimes committed by state authorities in the Philippines. She also stated that any decision made by the court should be based on facts and evidence rather than political considerations.
Rueda’s statement comes at a time when there is growing international pressure on the Philippine government to address human rights violations in its ‘drug war’. Several countries have expressed their concern over reports of extrajudicial killings and other abuses. The United Nations Human Rights Council has also called on the government to take action to protect human rights and bring those responsible for violations to justice.
The ICC counsel for victims is not alone in her stance against the Philippine government's appeal. Several prominent figures have spoken out against it as well, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein. They have both urged the court to allow an investigation into alleged human rights violations in the country.
In response to these calls, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly stated that he will not allow any foreign interference in his ‘drug war’. He has also accused international organizations of attempting to undermine his government's efforts to combat illegal drugs.
Despite this opposition, many are hopeful that the ICC will ultimately decide to proceed with its examination of the situation in the Philippines. They believe that an independent investigation is necessary in order to bring perpetrators of human rights violations to justice and ensure accountability for their actions.
It remains to be seen what decision the court will make regarding the Philippines’ appeal. However, with increasing pressure from international organizations and individuals, it appears likely that it will move forward with its examination and hold those responsible for human rights abuses accountable for their actions.
Conclusion
The International Criminal Court (ICC) counsel for victims, Pilar Rueda, has recently joined other human rights groups and individuals in opposing the Philippines’ appeal to reject an investigation into its ‘drug war’. With increasing pressure from international organizations and individuals, it appears likely that the court will move forward with its examination and hold those responsible for human rights abuses accountable for their actions.