Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, has ignited a debate by calling for the implementation of the death penalty for drug traffickers. During a speech at her ministry’s headquarters, Ms. Tabuya emphasized that Fiji’s position as a transit hub for illegal drugs necessitates the toughest penalties to deter trafficking activities.
Criticism has arisen from various groups regarding her proposal. Ms. Tabuya highlighted that Fiji’s geographical closeness to significant drug markets puts the nation at increased risk. She stated, “We are a transit point for more developed countries. What measures can we take to safeguard our borders and our citizens from these dangerous substances?” She referenced Singapore’s strict policy of imposing the death penalty for substantial drug trafficking, urging Fiji to contemplate similar steps. “We need to fortify our borders, uphold our sovereignty, and convey a strong message to all drug traffickers and kingpins,” she added.
In response, Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, advocated for a more compassionate and comprehensive strategy to tackle drug trafficking. He underscored the necessity of modernizing the police force and fostering international collaboration in efforts against drug-related crimes. “These strategies embody a holistic approach to combating drug trafficking and associated crimes by strengthening institutions, improving resources, and enhancing global cooperation, which will likely yield more enduring outcomes,” Mr. Tikoduadua explained. He cautioned that reinstating the death penalty could divert attention from addressing the fundamental issues related to drug trafficking.
Human rights advocates also expressed their disapproval of the death penalty. Dr. Shaista Shameem, a former Director of the Fiji Human Rights Commission, denounced the idea as an inhumane punishment that deprives offenders of the chance for rehabilitation. She recalled that Fiji abolished the death penalty for treason in 1979, with unanimous support from the parliament. “The death penalty was discarded after there was consensus among parliamentarians, including religious organizations, that it was not an adequate response to any crime, including treason,” Dr. Shameem stated, urging that any discussion about its potential reinstatement be conducted with sensitivity and empathy.
The Fiji Law Society also interjected, highlighting that the death penalty is not enshrined in the Constitution and that efforts to reintroduce it would encounter substantial legal obstacles. The death penalty was eliminated for all crimes in Fiji in 2015, and the 2013 Constitution prohibits its application. Furthermore, Fiji’s adherence to the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) since 2015 adds to the complexity of any attempts to revive the death penalty. UNCAT enforces a worldwide ban on torture and similar practices, and Fiji’s commitment to these ideals has been strengthened through enhanced training for its security forces.