Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, has stirred debate by advocating for the death penalty for drug traffickers in Fiji. During a recent address at her ministry’s headquarters, Tabuya emphasized that Fiji’s role as a transit hub for illegal drugs necessitates severe penalties to deter trafficking.
Her comments have attracted criticism from various sectors. Tabuya highlighted Fiji’s vulnerability due to its geographic location near larger drug markets, asking, “What do we do to protect our borders and our people from these harmful drugs?” She referenced Singapore’s policy of imposing the death penalty for substantial amounts of drug trafficking, asserting that Fiji should consider adopting similar measures to safeguard its sovereignty.
In response, Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, argued for a more humane and comprehensive strategy in tackling drug trafficking. He stressed the need for advancing the capabilities of the police force and enhancing international collaboration. “These strategies represent a holistic approach to addressing drug trafficking and related crimes,” he remarked, suggesting that they are more likely to produce lasting solutions compared to punitive measures like the death penalty, which he believes would overlook the underlying causes of the issue.
Human rights advocates have also spoken out against Tabuya’s proposal. Dr. Shaista Shameem, former Director of the Fiji Human Rights Commission, criticized the death penalty as a cruel form of punishment that does not allow for rehabilitation. She recalled the 1979 abolition of the death penalty for treason in Fiji, noting that consensus among parliamentarians and religious groups at the time concluded it was not a solution to crime.
Additionally, the Fiji Law Society has expressed concerns regarding the constitutional legality of reinstating the death penalty, noting that it was outlawed for all crimes in 2015 and that the 2013 Constitution prohibits its application. Moreover, Fiji’s ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in 2015 adds further complexities to any potential move to reintroduce capital punishment. UNCAT establishes a global ban on torture and related practices, which Fiji is committed to upholding through various training programs for its security personnel.