Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection in Fiji, has ignited a debate by advocating for the reinstatement of the death penalty for drug traffickers. During a speech at her ministry’s headquarters, she highlighted Fiji’s position as a transit point for illegal drugs and argued that stringent penalties are necessary to deter trafficking.
Tabuya emphasized the nation’s vulnerability 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 comparisons with Singapore’s stringent laws, she called for Fiji to adopt similar measures.
In contrast, Pio Tikoduadua, the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, rejected Tabuya’s proposal. He argued for a more compassionate and comprehensive strategy to combat drug trafficking, focusing on modernizing the police force and fostering international cooperation. Tikoduadua believes that these methods would promote sustainable solutions for the issues related to drug trafficking rather than resorting to the death penalty, which could overlook the deeper causes of the problem.
Human rights advocates also expressed their opposition to the death penalty. Dr. Shaista Shameem, the former Director of the Fiji Human Rights Commission, criticized it as a cruel form of punishment that does not allow for rehabilitation. She pointed out that Fiji abolished the death penalty for treason in 1979, a decision made with widespread parliamentary and community support, and remarked that any future discussions on its reintroduction should be approached with care and empathy.
The Fiji Law Society added to the discourse, highlighting that the death penalty is not enshrined in the Constitution. Any efforts to reinstate it would encounter significant legal challenges, especially since Fiji banned capital punishment for all crimes in 2015, and the 2013 Constitution explicitly prohibits its use. Furthermore, Fiji’s ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in the same year complicates attempts to reintroduce the death penalty, as UNCAT enforces a global ban on torture and similar practices. Fiji has reaffirmed its commitment to these standards through enhanced training for its security forces.