The Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, has generated controversy with her call for the death penalty for drug traffickers. Speaking at her ministry’s headquarters, Ms. Tabuya emphasized that Fiji’s role as a transit point for illegal drugs justifies imposing the harshest penalties to deter such activities.
Her comments have drawn criticism from multiple sources. Ms. Tabuya highlighted Fiji’s increasing vulnerability due to its geographic 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?”
Citing Singapore’s imposition of the death penalty for significant drug trafficking offenses, she urged Fiji to consider adopting similar laws. “We need to claim our borders, our sovereignty, and send a message to all drug traffickers and lords,” Ms. Tabuya added.
In contrast, Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, advocated for a more humane and comprehensive strategy to combat drug trafficking. He stressed the necessity of modernizing the police force and fostering 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 noted, warning that the death penalty could detract from addressing the root causes of drug trafficking.
Human rights advocates also opposed the proposal. Dr. Shaista Shameem, former Director of the Fiji Human Rights Commission, criticized the death penalty as a cruel punishment that strips individuals of their chance for rehabilitation. She recalled that Fiji abolished the death penalty for treason in 1979 with extensive parliamentary support, stating, “The death penalty was abolished after parliamentarians, including religious groups, agreed it was not the solution to any crime, even treason,” and stressed the need for sensitivity and compassion regarding any discussions about its reinstatement.
The Fiji Law Society contributed to the debate by highlighting that the death penalty is not enshrined in the Constitution, and any attempt to reintroduce it would encounter significant legal obstacles. The death penalty was abolished for all crimes in Fiji 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 (UNCAT) in 2015 complicates any efforts to reinstate the death penalty, as it mandates a global prohibition on such punishments. Fiji’s commitment to these principles has been strengthened through enhanced training programs for its security forces.