The impact of illicit drugs represents 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 crisis is essential and that the focus should be on rehabilitative justice and redemption.
Her remarks came in response to the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, who called for the death penalty for drug traffickers. Khan-Sharma highlighted that the issue of drug abuse extends beyond just the substances involved; it is also about human vulnerability.
She noted that the illicit drug trade exploits desperation and preys on the most vulnerable members of society. According to her, providing help to those in need should not lead to the loss of life through capital punishment. She stressed the importance of rehabilitation, arguing that it is both beneficial for society and necessary to break the cycle where poverty and lack of opportunity lead individuals to make risky choices, thus maintaining the system that takes advantage of them.
While acknowledging the severity of drug crimes and their harmful effects on individuals and communities, Khan-Sharma pointed out the complexities involved in addressing the issue. Some advocate for severe penalties like the death penalty, while others call for a more empathetic approach.
Khan-Sharma referenced the case of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, known as the Bali Nine, as an example of the potential for redemption. Despite their involvement in drug trafficking, both men turned to faith and worked to aid others while imprisoned. Their execution, despite their transformation, prompts a conversation about forgiveness and the possibilities for rehabilitation.
She argued that tackling the drug problem in Fiji requires a comprehensive strategy that includes combating poverty, offering support and rehabilitation for addicts and trafficking victims, and promoting compassion and understanding.
Khan-Sharma concluded by asserting that Fiji’s future depends on recognizing the human cost of the drug crisis and working towards solutions that balance justice and redemption. She emphasized the urgency for action to prevent the drug epidemic from further undermining the fabric of Fijian society.