The impact of illegal drugs has emerged as a significant crisis in Fiji, according to international human rights lawyer Sabrina Khan-Sharma. The 2021 UK Lead5050 International Champion of Change award recipient suggested that understanding the exploitation underlying the drug issue and fostering rehabilitative justice could be key components in addressing the problem.
Her remarks came in response to Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya’s proposal for the death penalty for drug traffickers. Khan-Sharma emphasized that the drug crisis extends beyond mere substance abuse, highlighting the human vulnerabilities that fuel the trade. She pointed out that the drug market often preys on society’s most desperate individuals.
Khan-Sharma advocated for a focus on helping the vulnerable rather than resorting to capital punishment, asserting that rehabilitation is crucial for societal benefit. She described the drug trade as a cycle where poverty and limited opportunities lead individuals towards dangerous paths, thereby sustaining the system that exploits them.
While acknowledging the severity of drug-related crimes and their detrimental effects on individuals and communities, Khan-Sharma noted the complexities of addressing this issue. She highlighted the divide between those who call for severe penalties and those who argue for a more compassionate approach.
Reflecting on the cases of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran from the Bali Nine, she underscored how both found faith and sought to assist others during their incarceration, raising important questions about forgiveness and the potential for rehabilitation despite their past actions.
Khan-Sharma called for a comprehensive strategy to combat drug issues in Fiji, which includes addressing poverty, offering support and rehabilitation for addicts and victims, and promoting compassion and understanding. She emphasized that Fiji’s future depends on recognizing the human repercussions of the drug crisis and pursuing solutions that balance justice with the possibility of redemption. Urging immediate action, she warned that the drug epidemic threatens the very fabric of Fijian society.