The Chair of the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (HRADC), Pravesh Sharma, has emphasized the need to strengthen policies, laws, and judicial processes in Fiji, rejecting the idea of introducing the death penalty as a means to combat drug trafficking. This statement comes in response to recent remarks from Minister of Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, who suggested implementing the death penalty for drug traffickers.
Sharma referenced Section 8 of Fiji’s 2013 Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and prohibits arbitrary deprivation of life. He highlighted that Fiji abolished the death penalty in 1979, recognizing it as a significant violation of human rights, particularly the right to life and freedom from torture or inhumane treatment.
Moreover, Sharma noted that Section 11 of the Constitution ensures everyone’s right to be free from torture or severe punishment. He argued that the death penalty is not an effective solution to the growing drug problem in Fiji. Instead, he suggested that the government should conduct research to understand the reasons behind drug use among the population and implement strategies to address the issue more effectively.
Sharma advocated for a focus on rehabilitation for those struggling with addiction and emphasized the importance of preventing drugs from entering Fiji. He called for enhanced border security, increased public awareness, and education about the impacts of drug use, asserting that stringent prison sentences for convicted drug offenders can help deter drug-related crime.