Fiji is asserting its sovereignty and aims to take a strong stance against the illegal drug trade, both domestically and internationally. Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, made this statement in light of Human Rights Commission chairman Pravesh Sharma’s opposition to her proposal for instituting the death penalty for those involved in large-scale drug trafficking.
Tabuya acknowledged the concerns surrounding the death penalty as a human rights issue but emphasized the need for a national conversation. She underlined the importance of weighing public safety, particularly the protection of youth and vulnerable groups, against individual rights as outlined in the Constitution.
It is her responsibility, as the minister focused on the welfare and protection of children and vulnerable individuals, to explore all potential options to mitigate the drug trafficking threat. She suggested that her proposal could be included in public consultations regarding the review of the 2013 Constitution, contingent upon the Cabinet’s agreement and subsequent parliamentary approval.
Tabuya argued that the necessity to safeguard children and citizens outweighs the individual’s right to life. Drawing on examples from countries like Singapore, she highlighted their success in managing drug-related challenges due to stringent measures.
In contrast, Opposition MP Ketan Lal has demanded Tabuya’s resignation, criticizing her stance as a major misinterpretation of effective crime prevention. He expressed concerns that her position is incompatible with global human rights norms and undermines the values enshrined in the 2013 Constitution, urging the Prime Minister to take immediate action and remove her from office to uphold the principles of human rights and social justice in Fiji.