Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection in Fiji, has ignited debate by proposing the implementation of the death penalty for drug traffickers. During her remarks at the ministry’s headquarters, Ms. Tabuya emphasized Fiji’s position as a transit hub for illegal drugs and argued that severe penalties are necessary to deter trafficking activities.
Despite her arguments, the proposal has garnered criticism from various individuals and organizations. Ms. Tabuya highlighted the increasing risk Fiji faces due to its proximity to larger drug markets, stating, “We’re a transit point for bigger developed countries. What do we do to protect our borders and our people from these harmful drugs?” Drawing parallels with Singapore, which enforces the death penalty for substantial drug trafficking, she asserted the need for Fiji to adopt similar measures. “We need to claim our borders, our sovereignty, and send a message to all drug traffickers and lords,” she added.
In response, Pio Tikoduadua, the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, advocated for a more humane and comprehensive strategy to tackle drug trafficking. He stressed the significance of modernizing the police force and fostering international collaboration. “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,” Mr. Tikoduadua explained. He also warned that reinstating the death penalty could detract from efforts to address the underlying factors contributing to drug trafficking.
Human rights advocates have also opposed the proposal. Dr. Shaista Shameem, former Director of the Fiji Human Rights Commission, condemned the death penalty as a cruel and degrading punishment that precludes rehabilitation opportunities. She recalled that Fiji abolished the death penalty for treason in 1979 with the backing of parliament, including religious groups, who deemed it ineffective as a solution to crime.
The Fiji Law Society has pointed out that the death penalty is absent from the Constitution, and reintroducing it would face substantial legal challenges. The death penalty was abolished in Fiji for all crimes in 2015, with the 2013 Constitution explicitly prohibiting its use. Additionally, Fiji’s ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) in 2015 complicates any potential attempt to reinstate the death penalty, as it enforces a global ban on such practices. Fiji’s adherence to these principles has been supported by enhanced training programs for its security forces.