The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has expressed its strong opposition to the proposed implementation of the death penalty for drug trafficking, a suggestion made by Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection.
Commission chairperson Pravesh Sharma emphasized that the 2013 Constitution’s Section 8 guarantees the right to life and prohibits arbitrary deprivation of life. He highlighted that Fiji abolished the death penalty in 1979, recognizing it as a grave violation of human rights, particularly concerning the right to life and protection from torture or inhumane treatment.
Sharma argued that rather than resorting to capital punishment, the government should prioritize conducting research to understand the reasons behind drug use in the community and develop effective strategies to tackle the issue. He advocated for focusing on the rehabilitation of individuals struggling with addiction and improving measures to prevent drug trafficking into Fiji.
Additionally, Sharma called for enhanced border security and public awareness initiatives to educate citizens about the dangers of drug use. He also noted that imposing severe prison sentences on drug offenders could serve as a deterrent without necessitating the death penalty.