The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has expressed its strong opposition to the implementation of the death penalty in response to proposals from Women, Children, and Social Protection Minister Lynda Tabuya aimed at tackling drug trafficking.
Chairperson Pravesh Sharma emphasized that the 2013 Constitution guarantees every individual’s right to life and prohibits arbitrary deprivation of life. He noted that Fiji abolished the death penalty in 1979 as it constitutes a significant violation of human rights, particularly the rights to life and protection against cruel and degrading punishment.
Sharma argued that the death penalty is not an effective solution to the increasing drug issues. Instead, he called for the government to conduct thorough research to understand the root causes that lead individuals to drug use, and develop appropriate measures to address these challenges.
He advocated for the rehabilitation of individuals struggling with addiction and for efforts to prevent drugs from entering Fiji. Additionally, he highlighted the need to enhance border security, as well as to raise awareness and educate the public about the adverse effects of drugs. Sharma also mentioned that strict prison terms for drug offenders could serve as a deterrent.