The International Criminal Court has confirmed that the trial of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte will begin in November, a decision that places Britain's commitment to international justice firmly in the public eye. For the millions who bore the brunt of his bloody war on drugs, this is a moment of profound significance. But for British workers and families, it raises questions about the cost of upholding such principles.
Duterte, whose regime saw thousands of extrajudicial killings, faces charges of crimes against humanity. The ICC, based in The Hague, relies on support from member states including the UK. Britain has long championed the court, but its financial contributions and diplomatic backing come at a time when domestic budgets are stretched. The government has pledged millions to the ICC, while austerity cuts continue to bite at home.
This tension is not lost on those in the industrial towns of the North. In Manchester, where the textile mills once hummed with the labour of the working class, the idea of sending taxpayer money to prosecute a foreign leader feels abstract. 'It's all well and good sorting out the world's problems, but what about our own?' said Karen, a former factory worker now struggling with rising energy bills. She reflects a wider sentiment: the pursuit of global justice cannot ignore the justice due to struggling communities.
Yet the case against Duterte is a stark reminder of why international law matters. His drug war, launched in 2016, led to the deaths of an estimated 30,000 people, many in poor neighbourhoods. Victims were often shot by police or vigilantes, with little accountability. For families like that of 17-year-old Kian, killed in a staged drug raid, the trial offers a sliver of hope. The ICC's decision to proceed is a victory for those who demanded truth.
Britain's role is not merely financial. The UK has been a vocal supporter of the ICC, providing investigative assistance and political cover against threats from powerful nations. But this comes with risks. The Duterte case could provoke retaliation from allies who view the court as a tool of Western influence. The Philippines under current President Ferdinand Marcos has already signalled hostility to the proceedings.
For the Labour government, the trial is a test of its foreign policy balance. Keir Starmer, a former human rights lawyer, has spoken of restoring Britain's moral leadership. Yet with unions calling for higher wages and the cost of living crisis still fresh, the public will be watching. Does the price of justice abroad mean less for homes at home?
The answer, perhaps, lies in the stories of ordinary people. In the Philippines, the poor bore the brunt of Duterte's violence. In Britain, the poor bear the brunt of economic neglect. Both demand accountability. The Duterte trial is a step towards one form of justice. But it also underscores the need for another: a fairer distribution of resources, where the burdens of internationalism do not fall on those least able to bear them.
As the trial date approaches, the usual debates will rage about sovereignty, cost and morality. But for the grieving families, it is simple: a chance to be heard. For Britain, it is a chance to show that its commitment to justice is not just a slogan, but a value worth paying for. The question is whether the government can convince its own people that the price is right.
