The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has reiterated its stance against the death penalty as a means to address drug trafficking, advocating instead for the enhancement of existing laws and judicial processes. This statement comes in response to comments made by Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection.
Pravesh Sharma, the chairperson of the commission, highlighted that the 2013 Constitution explicitly guarantees every individual the right to life and prohibits arbitrary deprivation of life. He noted that Fiji abolished the death penalty in 1979, recognizing it as a grave human rights violation, particularly concerning the right to life and protection against torture or cruel treatment.
Sharma emphasized that the death penalty is not an effective solution to the increasing drug-related issues. He urged the government to conduct thorough research to understand the reasons behind drug use in society and to establish strategies aimed at addressing the root causes. He advocated for a focus on the rehabilitation of individuals struggling with addiction and on preventing drugs from entering the country.
Furthermore, Sharma stressed the importance of bolstering border security and educating the public about the detrimental effects of drugs. He concluded that imposing severe prison sentences for drug offenders could still serve as a deterrent.