The Minister for Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation, Lynda Tabuya, is advocating for the reinstatement of the death penalty for drug traffickers found with significant quantities of drugs.
In a recent media statement, Tabuya emphasized that Fiji has become a transit hub for drug trafficking to other markets, making it critical to implement stricter laws to safeguard the nation’s borders and its citizens. She expressed grave concern over the accessibility of drugs in the community, which are being used by both adults and minors.
Tabuya argued that Fiji requires deterrent measures, including the consideration of the death penalty, to protect individuals who may not understand the detrimental effects of drug use. She highlighted that many people are resorting to drug dealing as a quick method of making money, but this practice poses far greater risks to society than any potential economic benefits.
She further stated that more stringent penalties, potentially including capital punishment, could help to diminish the drug trade and alleviate its negative impacts on Fiji.
Historically, Fiji abolished the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1979 and for all crimes in 2015, with the last execution taking place in 1964. In 2015, the FijiFirst Government endorsed the majority of recommendations made to ratify the UN Convention Against Torture, reflecting Fiji’s commitment to advancing and safeguarding fundamental human rights principles. The Constitution enacted in 2013 established comprehensive rights protections, and the previous Attorney-General confirmed the removal of the death penalty from all national legislation.