Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, has stirred debate by proposing the death penalty for drug traffickers. During a speech at her ministry’s headquarters, Tabuya emphasized that Fiji’s status as a transit point for illegal drugs necessitates severe consequences to deter such activities.
Her remarks have drawn criticism from numerous sources. Tabuya argued that Fiji’s geographic position makes it increasingly susceptible 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?”
Referencing Singapore’s stringent laws, which impose the death penalty for trafficking significant amounts of drugs, she advocated 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 asserted.
In response, Pio Tikoduadua, the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, proposed a more compassionate and comprehensive strategy to address drug trafficking. He highlighted the necessity of enhancing 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,” Tikoduadua stated. He also noted that the death penalty could detract from addressing the underlying causes of drug trafficking.
Human rights advocates have similarly opposed the death penalty. Dr. Shaista Shameem, a former Director of the Fiji Human Rights Commission, criticized the death penalty as a cruel punishment that denies individuals a chance for rehabilitation. She recalled Fiji’s abolition of the death penalty for treason in 1979, supported by a consensus among parliamentarians and religious groups. “The death penalty was abolished after parliamentarians, including religious groups, agreed it was not the solution to any crime, even treason,” she remarked, advising that discussions on its potential reinstatement should be approached with sensitivity.
The Fiji Law Society also expressed concerns, noting that the death penalty is not featured in the Constitution, and any efforts to reintroduce it would face substantial legal challenges. The death penalty was eliminated for all offenses in Fiji in 2015, and the Constitution of 2013 expressly prohibits its application. Furthermore, Fiji’s ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) in 2015 complicates any initiative to reinstate the death penalty, as UNCAT mandates a worldwide ban on torture and similar practices. Fiji has reaffirmed its commitment to these principles by enhancing training programs for its security forces.