Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, has ignited debate by advocating for the death penalty for drug traffickers in Fiji. During a statement at her ministry’s headquarters, Ms. Tabuya emphasized that Fiji’s position as a transit hub for illegal drugs necessitates severe penalties to deter trafficking activities.
Her comments have faced backlash from various groups. Ms. Tabuya highlighted Fiji’s growing vulnerability due to its geographic closeness 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?”
Referencing Singapore’s strict enforcement of the death penalty for significant drug trafficking offenses, she argued that Fiji should contemplate similar actions. “We need to claim our borders, our sovereignty, and send a message to all drug traffickers and lords,” she added.
In response, Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Pio Tikoduadua, proposed a more compassionate and comprehensive strategy against drug trafficking. He stressed the necessity for upgrading police capabilities 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. He warned that reinstating the death penalty might distract from addressing the underlying issues that contribute to drug trafficking.
Human rights advocates have also criticized the proposal. Dr. Shaista Shameem, former Director of the Fiji Human Rights Commission, labeled the death penalty a cruel and inhumane punishment that strips individuals of the chance for rehabilitation. She recalled Fiji’s abolishment of the death penalty for treason in 1979, which was passed with unanimous support from parliamentarians and religious groups.
“The death penalty was abolished after parliamentarians, including religious groups, agreed it was not the solution to any crime, even treason,” Dr. Shameem stated, adding that discussions about its potential reinstatement require careful and compassionate consideration.
Additionally, the Fiji Law Society expressed its stance, noting that the death penalty is not enshrined in the Constitution and that any attempts to revive it would encounter significant legal obstacles. The death penalty was eliminated for all crimes in Fiji in 2015, and the 2013 Constitution explicitly prohibits its implementation. Moreover, 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 reintroduce the death penalty, as this framework calls for a global prohibition against such practices, reinforced by training programs for security personnel.