Australia Rejects Hosting Duterte Amid ICC Interim Release Request

The Australian government has publicly declined to host former President Rodrigo Duterte should the International Criminal Court (ICC) grant his request for interim release. This decision comes in light of Duterte’s ongoing legal troubles related to charges of crimes against humanity stemming from his administration's controversial war on drugs.

According to a statement from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the government is aware of Duterte's application for interim release to a third unnamed country. However, officials emphasized that such matters are best left to the jurisdiction of the ICC, as Australia is a signatory to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the court.

"While we recognize the ICC's processes, we must adhere to our commitments as a party to the Rome Statute," said Foreign Minister Penny Wong during a press briefing on June 27, 2025. Wong further clarified that Australia would not facilitate Duterte’s release, whether to Australia or any other nation, as the ICC continues to handle the case from its seat in The Hague, Netherlands.

Duterte's legal team has previously indicated that an undisclosed country has expressed willingness to accommodate the former president should the ICC approve his request for interim release. Vice President Sara Duterte, his daughter, had mentioned Australia as a potential host for her father. However, Wong’s recent statements have effectively quashed any hope of Australia playing a role in this scenario.

In a related development, the ICC's Office of the Prosecutor has submitted a request to the Pre-Trial Chamber to deny Duterte's interim release application. They contend that no formal agreement exists between the defense and the prosecution regarding Duterte's release to the proposed country, and have reiterated their stance that any release would only be permissible under specific conditions that do not include Australia.

Experts in international law have weighed in on the implications of this situation. According to Dr. Emily Carter, a Senior Lecturer in International Relations at the University of Sydney, "Australia's refusal to host Duterte underscores the complexities of international law and the obligations of states under the Rome Statute. It also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the ICC in enforcing international accountability."

The ramifications of Australia’s stance could extend beyond Duterte’s immediate situation. International relations expert Dr. Michael Thompson, from the Australian National University, suggests that this decision may impact Australia's diplomatic relations with the Philippines, especially given Duterte's popularity among certain factions in the country. "While Australia is committed to upholding international law, it must also navigate its bilateral ties carefully, particularly in light of the upcoming elections in the Philippines."

As the ICC deliberates on Duterte's request, the international community is closely monitoring the situation. The developments in this case will likely influence future discourse around state obligations to international legal institutions and the enforcement of human rights protections.

In conclusion, Australia’s decision not to host Duterte reflects a broader commitment to international law, yet it raises questions about the political ramifications both domestically and internationally. As the ICC continues its proceedings, the outcome of this high-profile case will serve as a litmus test for the effectiveness of international legal mechanisms in addressing serious human rights violations.