Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, has faced criticism for her recent proposal to impose the death penalty on individuals who participate in large-scale drug trafficking. Ketan Lal, the Shadow Minister for Justice representing the Group of 16 (G16), stated that the government should focus on advocating for life sentences for rapists and pushing for legal reforms that better serve victims of violence instead of suggesting extreme measures like the death penalty.
Mr. Lal expressed disappointment that a minister responsible for protecting vulnerable groups is supporting such a drastic solution. He emphasized that her role should be to champion the rights and empowerment of victims, especially those affected by severe crimes such as rape, which can have permanent repercussions on individuals’ lives.
He argued that rape is one of the most serious offenses, requiring focused efforts to establish a legal framework that ensures prompt and fair justice for victims, while still safeguarding the rights of all citizens. Mr. Lal insisted that resources should be allocated towards addressing the plight of survivors rather than reviving capital punishment.
While acknowledging the seriousness of drug trafficking, Mr. Lal contended that suggesting the death penalty undermines Fiji’s constitutional principles and international commitments. He pointed out that Article 8 of the Fiji Constitution guarantees the right to life and forbids arbitrary deprivation of life, highlighting that reintroducing the death penalty would undermine these fundamental rights and diminish the integrity of the justice system, which is based on human dignity and the rule of law.
He concluded by stating that any attempt to reinstate such severe measures would be regressive, threatening Fiji’s international image and commitment to upholding human rights globally.