Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, has stirred debate by proposing the death penalty for drug traffickers in Fiji. During a statement at her ministry’s headquarters, she emphasized that Fiji’s position as a transit hub for illegal drugs necessitates the implementation of severe penalties to discourage traffickers.
Ms. Tabuya highlighted the risks associated with Fiji’s geographical closeness 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?” She referenced Singapore’s strict laws regarding drug trafficking and suggested that Fiji should consider similar approaches to take control of its borders and combat drug-related activities.
The proposal has faced opposition, particularly from Pio Tikoduadua, the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration. He advocated for a more humane and comprehensive strategy in addressing drug trafficking, emphasizing the need to modernize the police force and enhance international cooperation. Tikoduadua argued that focusing solely on the death penalty could distract from addressing the underlying issues contributing to drug trafficking.
Human rights advocates have also condemned the idea. Dr. Shaista Shameem, former Director of the Fiji Human Rights Commission, criticized the death penalty as a harsh punishment that prevents rehabilitation. She recalled Fiji’s abolition of the death penalty for treason in 1979 and pointed out the consensus among lawmakers and religious groups that capital punishment is not a solution to crime.
The Fiji Law Society contributed to the discourse, noting that the death penalty is not recognized in the Constitution, and any initiative to reinstate it would likely face considerable legal obstacles. The death penalty was prohibited for all offenses in Fiji in 2015, and the nation’s Constitution prohibits its application. Additionally, Fiji’s ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) in 2015 complicates any potential move to reintroduce the death penalty, as it mandates an international ban on such practices.