The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has expressed strong opposition to the death penalty proposal put forth by Women, Children, and Social Protection Minister Lynda Tabuya, advocating instead for enhanced policies and legal frameworks to address drug trafficking.
Commission chairperson Pravesh Sharma referenced Section 8 of the 2013 Constitution, which affirms that “every person has the right to life, and a person must not be arbitrarily deprived of life.” He highlighted that since abolishing the death penalty in 1979, Fiji has made significant progress in recognizing it as a serious violation of human rights, especially regarding the right to life and protection from torture or inhumane treatment.
Sharma stated that the death penalty is not a viable solution to the escalating drug issues in the country. He emphasized the need for thorough research to understand the reasons behind drug use and to implement effective measures. He called for focusing on rehabilitation for individuals with addiction issues and preventing drug influx into Fiji.
Moreover, he pointed out the necessity of strengthening border security, raising public awareness, and educating the populace on the harmful effects of drugs. Sharma asserted that imposing stringent prison sentences for individuals convicted of drug-related offenses would maintain a deterrent effect.