The issue of illicit drug use stands as a silent crisis in Fiji, according to international human rights lawyer Sabrina Khan-Sharma. The recipient of the United Kingdom’s Lead5050 International 2021 Champion of Change award emphasized that addressing the roots of the drug pandemic and pursuing rehabilitative justice through redemption may be crucial solutions.
Khan-Sharma’s remarks followed a statement from Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, who called for the death penalty for those involved in drug trafficking. She remarked, “This is not just a story of illicit substances; it’s a story of human vulnerability,” highlighting how the drug trade preys on society’s most desperate and vulnerable individuals.
She argued that assisting the vulnerable does not justify taking lives, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation in society. “It’s a vicious cycle,” she told, “where poverty and lack of opportunity drive people towards risky decisions, further entrenching the system that exploits them.”
Khan-Sharma acknowledged the severity of the drug trade, recognizing it as a serious crime with severe consequences for communities and individuals alike, but noted the complexity of devising effective solutions. While some advocate for severe punishments such as the death penalty, others call for a more empathetic approach.
She drew attention to the experiences of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, members of the Bali Nine, as a powerful example of redemption. Despite their past involvement in drug trafficking, both men found faith and committed themselves to helping others while in prison. Their execution, despite their transformation, sparked debates on forgiveness and the potential for rehabilitation.
Khan-Sharma argued that combating Fiji’s drug problem requires a comprehensive strategy that includes addressing poverty, providing support and rehabilitation for both addiction sufferers and trafficking victims, and promoting compassion and understanding.
“The future of Fiji depends on our capacity to acknowledge the human cost of this crisis and to pursue solutions that prioritize both justice and redemption. We must act now before the drug crisis further undermines the foundation of Fijian society.”