The Chair of the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (HRADC), Pravesh Sharma, has emphasized the need for strengthening policies, laws, and judicial processes in Fiji instead of resorting to extreme measures like the death penalty to fight drug trafficking. This statement follows recent remarks by Lynda Tabuya, the Minister of Women, Children, and Social Protection, who advocated for the reinstatement of the death penalty for drug traffickers.
Sharma pointed out that Section 8 of the 2013 Constitution of the Republic of Fiji guarantees the right to life and prohibits arbitrary deprivation of life. He highlighted that Fiji abolished the death penalty in 1979, viewing it as a significant human rights violation, particularly regarding the right to life and protection from torture or cruel treatment.
He referenced Section 11 of the Constitution, which affirms that all individuals have the right to freedom from any form of torture or inhumane punishment. Sharma argued that the death penalty is not an effective solution to the growing drug problem. Instead, he suggested that the Government should investigate the reasons behind drug use among citizens and implement strategies to address those root causes.
Sharma called for a focus on rehabilitating those with addiction issues and preventing drugs from entering the country. He advocated for enhanced border security, public awareness campaigns, and education about the consequences of drug use. Furthermore, he noted that imposing harsher prison sentences on convicted drug offenders can serve as a deterrent.