The Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, has ignited debate by advocating for the reinstatement of the death penalty for drug traffickers in Fiji. Addressing officials at her ministry, Ms. Tabuya expressed that Fiji’s position as a transit hub for illegal drugs necessitates severe penalties to deter trafficking.
Her comments have sparked criticism from various groups. Highlighting Fiji’s vulnerability due to its location near larger drug markets, she remarked, “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 to Singapore’s strict drug laws—which include capital punishment for trafficking substantial amounts of drugs—she emphasized the urgency of considering similar actions in Fiji. “We need to claim our borders, our sovereignty, and send a message to all drug traffickers and lords,” the minister asserted.
In response, Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, argued for a more compassionate approach to tackle drug trafficking. He stressed the necessity of modernizing the police force and improving 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 stated, cautioning that the death penalty may overlook the underlying causes of drug issues.
Human rights advocates have also opposed the proposal. Dr. Shaista Shameem, the former Director of the Fiji Human Rights Commission, criticized the death penalty as a cruel punishment that negates the chance for rehabilitation. She recalled Fiji’s historic abolition of the death penalty for treason in 1979, emphasizing that this decision was backed by unanimous parliamentary support. “The death penalty was abolished after parliamentarians, including religious groups, agreed it was not the solution to any crime, even treason,” Dr. Shameem remarked, underscoring the need for sensitivity and compassion when discussing any possible reinstatement.
The Fiji Law Society chimed in, noting that the death penalty is not enshrined in the Constitution and any efforts to reintroduce it would encounter substantial legal challenges. The death penalty was abolished for all crimes in Fiji in 2015, and the current Constitution explicitly prohibits its application.
Additionally, Fiji ratified the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) in 2015, which further complicates plans to bring back the death penalty. The UNCAT requires a global ban on torture and related practices, and Fiji remains committed to these principles through enhanced training programs for its security forces.