The issue of illicit drugs is a significant and unaddressed crisis in Fiji, according to international human rights lawyer Sabrina Khan-Sharma. The winner of the UK Lead5050 International 2021 Champion of Change award emphasized that the solution lies in addressing the exploitation that fuels the drug pandemic and promoting rehabilitative justice.
Her remarks came in response to the call for the death penalty for drug traffickers made by Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya. Khan-Sharma pointed out that the drug crisis is deeply intertwined with human vulnerability and that the trade thrives on the desperation of individuals within society.
She stressed that aiding vulnerable populations does not equate to the need for extreme measures like capital punishment. “Rehabilitation is crucial and serves society’s interests,” she noted, highlighting how poverty and limited opportunities often lead individuals to make perilous choices, which further entrench them in exploitative systems.
While acknowledging the severity of drug-related crimes, she indicated that addressing the complexities of this issue poses a challenge. Some advocate for stringent penalties, while others argue for a more empathetic response.
Khan-Sharma cited the cases of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, members of the Bali Nine, as powerful examples of redemption. Despite their past involvement in drug trafficking, both individuals discovered faith during their incarceration and committed themselves to helping others. Their eventual execution, she argued, raised important questions about forgiveness and the potential for rehabilitation.
She concluded that effectively combatting the drug problem in Fiji requires a comprehensive strategy that includes addressing poverty, offering support and rehabilitation for those affected by addiction and trafficking, and promoting compassion and understanding. “The future of Fiji depends on our capacity to acknowledge the human toll of this crisis and to pursue solutions that balance justice with redemption,” Khan-Sharma stated, urging immediate action to prevent the drug pandemic from further damaging Fijian society.