The Chair of the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (HRADC), Pravesh Sharma, emphasized the need for enhancing policies, laws, and judicial procedures in Fiji instead of resorting to extreme measures like the death penalty to address drug trafficking. This statement follows recent remarks by Minister of Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, who advocated for the death penalty for drug traffickers.
Sharma highlighted that Section 8 of Fiji’s 2013 Constitution guarantees the right to life and prohibits arbitrary deprivation of life. He pointed out that Fiji abolished the death penalty in 1979, recognizing it as a serious violation of human rights, specifically the right to life and protection from cruel and inhuman treatment.
He cited Section 11 of the 2013 Constitution, which provides that every individual has the right to be free from torture and cruel punishment. Sharma argued that the death penalty is not an effective response to the escalating drug issue in the country. Instead, he suggested that the government should conduct comprehensive research to understand the reasons behind drug use and implement better strategies to tackle the problem.
Sharma advocated for prioritizing the rehabilitation of individuals struggling with addiction and preventing drugs from entering the country. He stressed the importance of bolstering border security, increasing public awareness, and educating citizens on the harmful effects of drugs. Additionally, he noted that imposing harsh prison sentences on convicted drug offenders can serve as a deterrent.