Fiji, as a sovereign nation, is called upon to take a strong stance against the illicit drug trade, both locally and internationally. Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, made this statement in reaction to comments from Pravesh Sharma, chairman of the Human Rights Commission, who criticized her suggestion of imposing the death penalty for large-scale drug traffickers.
Tabuya acknowledged the concerns regarding the death penalty as a human rights violation but emphasized that protecting the public, particularly the youth and children—who make up 70 percent of Fiji’s population—takes precedence. She called for a national dialogue to weigh the rights of individuals against the need for public safety.
“It is my responsibility to explore all options available for the welfare of our children and vulnerable populations in Fiji,” Tabuya stated. She proposed that this issue could be included in public consultations regarding the review of the 2013 Constitution, pending Cabinet approval and subsequent parliamentary and public support.
Tabuya highlighted that smaller nations like Singapore have effectively tackled drug trafficking issues by implementing stringent measures. She stressed that Fiji, as a Pacific hub, is particularly susceptible to drug trafficking and must take steps to safeguard its citizens and their well-being.
In contrast, Opposition MP Ketan Lal has called for Ms. Tabuya to resign, criticizing her stance on the death penalty as a serious misinterpretation of effective crime prevention and a violation of global human rights norms. He urged Prime Minister to take swift action to remove her from her ministerial role, advocating for a government that embraces human rights and social justice principles.