Return of death penalty not solution to Fiji’s fight against drugs, Human Rights chair and Home Affairs minister say

The chairperson of the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (FHRADC) shot down suggestion by a senior government minister to bring back the death penalty to deter international drug traffickers.

This week, Women and Children's Minister, Lynda Tabuya, told local media that she wants "see the death penalty brought to Fiji for those who traffic large quantities of drugs”.

The minister said Fiji continues to be used as a transit point for drug traffickers.

"We are vulnerable, our borders are vulnerable, we need to explore the possibility of the death penalty to protect our people," she said.

However, the FHARDC is calling for stronger policies, laws, and judicial processes to tackle the issue.

Fiji abolished the death penalty in 1979 and the country's constitution ensure that every person has a right to life.

"The Commission is of the view that the death penalty is not the solution to the rising drugs problem," FHARDC chairperson Pravesh Sharma said in statement on Thursday.

Sharma said capital punishment "is a serious violation of human rights".

"Rather, the government should conduct baseline research to determine why our people are engaging in drugs, and then put in place measures to better address the issue," he said.

Sharma called for "rehabilitation of addicted people; to prevent drugs from entering Fiji".

"We need to strengthen out border security, raise awareness, and educate our people about the impacts of drugs."

He added severe prison sentences for convicted drug offenders "will continue to have a deterrent effect".

This follows Minister of Social Protection Lynda Tabuya's suggestion of capital punishment for those who traffic large quantities of drugs.

Tabuya's comments were met with mixed reactions from the Fijian public on social media, with comments including "this is a really dangerous rhetoric" to "a death penalty sentence will save our country".

At least 2 MPs have voiced opposition to the suggestion.

Minister emphasises 'humane strategies'

Home Affairs Minister, Pio Tikoduadua, who has been at the forefront of the fight against drugs, said the death penalty was not something that is part of their strategy.

He said the key to tackling the country's drugs crisis "lies in comprehensive and humane strategies that address the underlying issues, while ensuring justice is served".

Tikoduadua said the Fijian government's recent initiatives, such as the National Countering Illicit Narcotics Strategy 2023-2028 and the ongoing Police Reset, were designed to tackle 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.

It also involves the establishment of a Counter Narcotics Bureau with a budget allocation of $2.5 million, tasked with leading enforcement operations and enhancing border control measures.

"In parallel, the Police Reset aims to modernise the police force through capacity building and cultural shifts, backed by partnerships like the MOU with the Australian Federal Police." Tikoduadua said.

"These strategies represent a holistic approach to addressing drug trafficking and related crimes through stronger institutions, better resources, and international collaboration, which are likely to yield more sustainable results.

He added these were "crucial steps" taken by the government to address the problem.

"These efforts prioritise building a secure environment through robust law enforcement and community-based prevention strategies, avoiding the irreversible consequences associated with the death penalty."

Source: rnz.co.na, Staff, August 24, 2024

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