The issue of illicit drugs has become a significant yet silent crisis in Fiji, according to international human rights lawyer Sabrina Khan-Sharma. Recognized as the United Kingdom Lead5050 International 2021 Champion of Change, Khan-Sharma suggests that understanding the exploitation underlying the drug crisis is crucial to achieving rehabilitative justice through redemption.
Her remarks come in response to a recent statement by Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, who called for the death penalty for those involved in drug trafficking. Khan-Sharma emphasized that the drug problem goes beyond merely the substances involved; it reflects a larger narrative of human vulnerability.
She pointed out that the drug trade flourishes in an environment of desperation, targeting the most vulnerable individuals in society. “Assisting those in need should never equate to punishment or death,” she said. Khan-Sharma highlighted the necessity of rehabilitation for drug offenders, stressing that societal support plays a vital role in breaking the cycle of poverty and risky behaviors that lead individuals into drug-related crimes.
While acknowledging the severe impact of drug trafficking on communities, she argued that the response should be multifaceted. While some advocate for severe penalties, she believes a more compassionate approach could be effective.
Khan-Sharma referenced the stories of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, individuals involved in the infamous Bali Nine drug trafficking case, as examples of redemption and transformation. Despite their criminal past, both men found faith and dedicated their time in prison to helping others. Their executions, she noted, raise important questions about forgiveness and the potential for rehabilitation.
Addressing Fiji’s drug challenges, Khan-Sharma called for a comprehensive strategy that includes addressing poverty, providing support and rehabilitation for both addicts and trafficking victims, and fostering a culture of compassion and understanding. She concluded by stressing that Fiji’s future depends on acknowledging the human costs associated with the drug crisis and prioritizing solutions that balance justice with the possibility of redemption. She urged immediate action to prevent the drug crisis from further undermining the societal fabric of Fiji.