The issue of illicit drugs is a pressing yet overlooked crisis in Fiji, according to international human rights lawyer Sabrina Khan-Sharma. Recognized as the UK Lead5050 International 2021 Champion of Change, she highlighted that the problem goes beyond just drug use; it encompasses the vulnerabilities that lead individuals to become involved in the drug trade.
Her comments come after a statement from Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, advocating for the death penalty for drug traffickers. Khan-Sharma emphasized that addressing the plight of the vulnerable is crucial and suggested that killing offenders is not a viable solution.
“Rehabilitation plays a pivotal role and is beneficial for society. A cycle exists where poverty and lack of opportunity push individuals to make risky choices, sustaining a system that takes advantage of them,” she explained.
While acknowledging the severity of the drug trade and its impact on individuals and communities, she pointed out the complexities involved in tackle these issues. Some call for harsh penalties such as the death penalty, while others argue for a more humane approach.
Khan-Sharma drew on the story of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, two members of the Bali Nine, as an illustration of the potential for redemption. Despite their crimes connected to drug trafficking, they found faith and committed themselves to helping fellow inmates. Their eventual execution, despite their transformation, raises important questions about forgiveness and the potential for rehabilitation.
To effectively combat Fiji’s drug problem, Khan-Sharma proposed a comprehensive approach that includes addressing poverty, offering support and rehabilitation for both addicts and trafficking victims, and promoting compassion within the community.
“The future of Fiji depends on our ability to understand the human toll of this crisis and to pursue solutions that prioritize both justice and redemption. Immediate action is necessary to prevent the drug pandemic from further damaging Fijian society,” she concluded.