Fiji is facing significant challenges due to drug-related issues, which could lead to a state of despair if not addressed promptly. Minister for Women Lynda Tabuya emphasized the urgency of this problem while advocating for the implementation of the death penalty for major drug traffickers, despite facing opposition from human rights advocates and political opponents.
Tabuya highlighted that Fiji is grappling with a serious problem of drug addiction, and there is a pressing need to convey a strong message to drug cartels and traffickers operating beyond the nation’s borders. She declared, “You are not welcome, you cannot profit at the expense of our people.” She affirmed the government’s commitment to securing the borders and safeguarding the population, particularly vulnerable groups such as children.
The Minister noted that the concept of the death penalty is not unprecedented, as it exists in countries like Singapore, China, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Iran. She also pointed out that in the United States, 27 out of 51 states still apply the death penalty for murder, despite the country’s image as a defender of human rights.
Tabuya clarified that her call for the death penalty is a serious proposal stemming from her role as the Minister responsible for protecting vulnerable populations. She stressed the need for effective deterrence against drug trafficking, especially as the nation reviews its 2013 Constitution. She reminded that the death penalty, abolished in 1979, was only officially removed from Fijian law in 2015.
To combat the drug crisis effectively, Tabuya argued for a comprehensive approach that includes reducing supply, demand, and harm, and suggested the need to explore all legislative options available to the sovereign state.