To address the escalating drug and HIV crisis, Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection in Fiji, has proposed the introduction of severe criminal justice measures, including the death penalty for significant drug traffickers.
During a media briefing, Ms. Tabuya revealed that children infected with HIV/AIDS from sharing blood or through other means are currently receiving rehabilitation at Lautoka Hospital, following outreach from their families. She also announced that the government is working to set up Fiji’s first Child Wellbeing Centre, aimed at rehabilitating children struggling with drug addiction.
“Fiji is increasingly being used as a transit hub, exposing our vulnerabilities and border security,” stated Ms. Tabuya. She emphasized the need for the death penalty to protect citizens from the rising tide of drug trafficking, citing Singapore as a successful model where the death penalty is imposed on significant drug traffickers rather than those in possession of small amounts.
Ms. Tabuya highlighted the urgency of the situation, pointing out that traffickers use various means to bring drugs into Fiji, with the intention of distributing them further to larger markets. “We must safeguard our borders and convey a strong message to drug traffickers and lords,” she said.
She expressed concern that due to the actions of drug traffickers, both adults and children in Fiji are becoming involved in drug peddling, which poses significant harm despite any perceived economic advantages.