The impact of illegal drugs is a hidden crisis in Fiji, according to international human rights lawyer Sabrina Khan-Sharma. The UK Lead5050 International 2021 Champion of Change award winner believes that addressing the exploitation at the root of the drug epidemic could lead to rehabilitative justice and redemption.
Her remarks followed the call for the death penalty for drug traffickers made by Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya. Khan-Sharma emphasized that the drug issue goes beyond mere substance abuse, highlighting the human vulnerabilities that fuel the crisis.
She pointed out that the drug trade preys on society’s most desperate and vulnerable individuals. “Supporting these individuals does not mean resorting to extreme measures like capital punishment,” she stated. Khan-Sharma advocates for rehabilitation as a crucial and beneficial approach for society, noting that poverty and lack of opportunities often drive people toward risky behaviors, thus perpetuating the cycle of exploitation.
While acknowledging the severe consequences of the drug trade, she noted the complexities of addressing the issue. Some people push for severe punishments, including the death penalty, while others urge for a more compassionate response.
Khan-Sharma referenced the cases of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, members of the Bali Nine, as examples of how transformation is possible even among those involved in drug trafficking. Despite their past, both men embraced faith and contributed positively to their surroundings while in prison. Their execution, despite their change of heart, raises difficult questions about forgiveness and the viability of rehabilitation.
Addressing Fiji’s drug problem requires a comprehensive approach, Khan-Sharma argued. This includes tackling poverty, offering support and rehabilitation for both addicts and victims of trafficking, and promoting compassion and understanding within the community.
“The future of Fiji depends on our capacity to acknowledge the human impact of this crisis and to seek solutions that balance justice with the opportunity for redemption. We must take action now to prevent the drug epidemic from further damaging Fijian society.”