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The Fiji Human Rights Office called for stronger policies, laws and judicial processes to address the issue.
photo: 123 RF
The chairman of the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (FHRADC) has rejected a suggestion by a senior government minister to reinstate the death penalty to deter international drug traffickers.
This week, Women and Children Minister Lynda Tabuya told local media she hoped Fiji to impose death penalty on those trafficking large quantities of drugs.
The Minister said Fiji continued to be used as a transit point by drug traffickers.
“We are vulnerable, our borders are vulnerable, and we need to explore the possibility of the death penalty to protect our people,” she said.
However, FHARDC called for stronger policies, laws and judicial processes to address the issue.
Fiji abolished the death penalty in 1979 and the country’s constitution guarantees everyone the right to life.
“The commission believes that the death penalty is not a solution to the growing drug problem,” Pravesh Sharma, chairman of Kenya’s Central African Development Commission, said in a statement on Thursday.
Sharma said the death penalty was “a gross violation of human rights.”
“Instead, the government should conduct basic research to determine why our people take drugs and then take steps to better address the problem,” he said.
Linda Tabua said Fiji needed to “explore the possibility of implementing the death penalty to protect our people”.
photo: Facebook/Fiji Government
Mr Sharma called for “rehabilitation of drug addicts and prevention of drugs from entering Fiji”.
“We need to increase border security, raise awareness, and educate our people about the effects of drugs.”
He added that tough prison sentences for convicted drug offenders “will continue to serve as a deterrent.”
This comes after Social Protection Minister Lynda Tabuya recommended the death penalty for those who sell large quantities of drugs.
On social media, the Fijian public had mixed reactions to Tabua’s remarks, with some commenting “this is a very dangerous statement” and others saying “the death penalty will save our country.”
At least two lawmakers expressed opposition to the proposal.
Pio Tikoduadua
photo: Facebook/Fiji Government
Minister emphasizes “humanitarian strategy”
Interior Minister Pio Tikoduadua, who has been at the forefront of the fight against drugs, said the death penalty is not part of their strategy.
He said the key to solving the country’s drug crisis “lies in a comprehensive, humane strategy that addresses the underlying problems while ensuring justice is served.”
Ms Tikoduadua said recent initiatives by the Fijian Government, such as the National Strategy to Combat Illegal Drugs 2023-2028 and the ongoing police reset, were aimed at tackling these complex issues more effectively.
The Narcotics Strategy, launched in June, focuses on comprehensive measures, including demand and supply reduction, alternative development and harm reduction strategies.
The bill also establishes a Narcotics Enforcement Agency with a $2.5 million budget to lead law enforcement operations and strengthen border control measures.
“At the same time, the Police Reset Program aims to modernise the police force through capacity building and cultural change, supported by partnerships such as the Memorandum of Understanding with the Australian Federal Police,” Tikoduadua said.
“These strategies represent a holistic approach to tackling drug trafficking and related crime through stronger institutions, better resources and international cooperation that is likely to produce more sustainable results.
He added that this was a “key measure” the government was taking to address the problem.
“These efforts focus on creating safe environments through strong enforcement and community-based prevention strategies that avoid the irreversible consequences associated with the death penalty.”
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