The NGO Coalition on Human Rights (NGOCHR) has stated that no one has the right to take another person’s life, responding to Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya’s proposal to implement the death penalty for those involved in trafficking significant amounts of drugs.
The NGOCHR expressed its support for the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission’s position that the death penalty is not an effective solution to the increasing drug issues in Fiji. They argue that the discussions led by Minister Tabuya regarding the death penalty are harmful, regressive, and detrimental to the advancement of human rights in the country.
Coalition chair Shamima Ali emphasized that such ideas are not compatible with a democracy like Fiji. She stated, “The death penalty is a violation of fundamental human rights — the right to life and the right not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.”
Ali urged the minister to seek genuine alternatives to address issues like austerity, poverty, and social alienation, highlighting the importance of providing young people with opportunities, fostering economic security, and investing in communities to build a fairer and safer society for everyone.
The coalition called for a national effort that includes both the government and civil society to effectively tackle this issue and urged the minister to focus on addressing the underlying causes, analyzing evidence, and developing better policies.