The International Human Rights Foundation –IHRF—has welcomed the arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, describing it as “a pivotal step toward ensuring his accountability before the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity, including his reported responsibility for the deaths of over 30,000 individuals during the state-sanctioned “war on drugs”.

This is coming after the 79-year-old former president on Wednesday arrived in the Netherlands after his arrest the previous morning on an ICC warrant accusing him of crimes against humanity over deadly anti-drug crackdowns he oversaw while in office.

Part of the statement made by IHRF to show support with the ICC read: “This moment signifies a historic opportunity for justice, offering solace to the victims’ families who have endured profound suffering and demanded accountability for years.

“The IHRF underscores that no individual, regardless of power, is exempt from the principles of international law, and we urge the ICC to conduct a rigorous, impartial trial, safeguarded from political influence. We call upon all nations to uphold their obligations by supporting this process, reaffirming that systemic impunity for atrocities must end.

“The IHRF remains unwavering in its commitment to human dignity, justice, and the rule of law, viewing this arrest as a testament to the enduring resolve of global justice mechanisms and the courage of those who seek truth.”

However, the supporters of Duterte argue that the court does not have jurisdiction to put the former president on trial, in part because Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the court in 2019.

The judges who issued his arrest warrant say that the alleged crimes he is charged with happened before that withdrawal, meaning the court has jurisdiction.

The former president has become the first former Asian leader to be arrested by the global court

AP reported that the International Criminal Court where detained 79-year-old will face justice after his arrest in the Philippines is a court of last resort for the most serious international offenses, such as genocide and crimes against humanity.