The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (FHRADC) has urged the Fijian Government to enhance existing policies, laws, and judicial processes instead of resorting to extreme measures like the death penalty. This statement follows a proposal from Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya, suggesting that the death penalty be imposed on individuals trafficking substantial amounts of drugs.
FHRADC chairman Pravesh Sharma emphasized that Fiji has made significant progress in abolishing the death penalty, which was eliminated in 1979. He referenced Section 8 of the 2013 Constitution of the Republic of Fiji, which affirms the right to life and prohibits arbitrary deprivation of life. Sharma noted that the death penalty is a severe infringement on human rights, specifically the right to life and freedom from torture or cruel treatment.
He highlighted that Section 11 of the 2013 Constitution guarantees freedom from torture and excessively harsh treatment. The Commission believes that the death penalty does not address the increasing drug issues in Fiji. Instead, Sharma recommended that the Government undertake research to understand the underlying reasons for drug involvement among the population and implement suitable strategies to tackle the problem.
The focus, according to the Commission, should be on rehabilitating individuals struggling with addiction and preventing drug influx into the country.