The issue of illicit drugs has been labeled a silent crisis in Fiji, according to international human rights lawyer Sabrina Khan-Sharma. The 2021 Lead5050 International Champion of Change award recipient emphasized that the solution might lie in addressing the exploitation fueling the drug epidemic and pursuing rehabilitative justice through redemption.
Her remarks came in light of a call for the death penalty against drug traffickers by Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection. Khan-Sharma stated, “This is not just a story of illicit substances; it’s a story of human vulnerability.” She highlighted how the drug trade capitalizes on desperation, targeting society’s most vulnerable individuals.
Khan-Sharma argued that helping those in need does not equate to inflicting harm on others. “Rehabilitation is crucial and beneficial to society. It’s a vicious cycle, where poverty and lack of opportunities lead individuals to make risky choices, thereby sustaining the very system that exploits them. While the drug trade is a serious crime with grim repercussions for individuals and communities, finding a solution to this intricate issue poses a challenge.”
Some advocates support severe punishments, including the death penalty, while others argue for a more compassionate response. The lawyer referenced the cases of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran from the Bali Nine as significant examples of redemption. Despite their criminal involvement, both men found faith and contributed to helping others during their time in prison. Their execution, despite their efforts to change, raises critical questions about forgiveness and the potential for rehabilitation.
Khan-Sharma emphasized that addressing Fiji’s drug crisis requires a comprehensive strategy, including combating poverty, offering support and rehabilitation to addicts and trafficking victims, and promoting compassion and understanding. “The future of Fiji depends on our capacity to recognize the human cost of this crisis and to pursue solutions that prioritize justice and redemption. The time for action is now, before the drug epidemic further undermines the fabric of Fijian society.”