The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has expressed its strong opposition to the introduction of the death penalty to tackle drug trafficking, as suggested by the Women, Children, and Social Protection Minister Lynda Tabuya. Commission chairperson Pravesh Sharma emphasized that the 2013 Constitution, specifically Section 8, guarantees every individual the right to life and prohibits arbitrary deprivation of life.
Sharma noted that Fiji abolished the death penalty in 1979 due to its classification as a serious violation of human rights, particularly the right to life and protection from inhumane treatment. He argued that the death penalty does not address the increasing drug issues, and instead, the government should seek to understand the root causes of drug use in the community and implement effective strategies to manage the situation.
He recommended a focus on rehabilitation for individuals struggling with addiction and enhancing measures to prevent drug trafficking into Fiji. Sharma urged the importance of strengthening border security and increasing public awareness and education about the dangers of drugs. He concluded that imposing severe prison sentences for drug offenders could still serve as a deterrent.