Tabuya stands by his statement on the death penalty – FBC News

Minister for Women and Children Lynda Tabuya says she is considering implementing her proposal for the death penalty for drug traffickers caught with large quantities of drugs as part of the 2013 constitution review process.

Tabuya said last week that she is calling for the death penalty to be investigated for drug traffickers, drawing criticism from the Commission on Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination and independent members of parliament.

Tabuya says she understands the arguments of the Chair of the Commission on Human Rights and other human rights organisations against the death penalty as a human rights issue.

However, she says this issue calls for a national debate on the balance between the public interest in protecting our people, especially the youth and children who make up 70 percent of the population, and the individual’s right to life and freedom from cruel and unusual punishment, as guaranteed in the Constitution. These are not absolute rights.

Tabuya says it is her duty to highlight all available options. As the minister responsible for the welfare and protection of children and vulnerable Fijians, this is her job.

She said the proposal could be part of the public consultations on the 2013 Constitution Review if the Cabinet agrees and Parliament passes the proposal by a 75 percent majority, and a referendum is then held with 75 percent of Fiji’s registered voters.

Tabuya adds that she believes the public interest in protecting our children, youth, citizens and our borders outweighs the individual’s right to life and cruel and unusual punishment.

She says small countries like Singapore are dealing with it successfully, protecting their borders and population as a hub to Southeast Asia.

The Minister said Fiji is a Pacific hub and vulnerable to drug trafficking. The country must protect itself from drug cartels and drug traffickers who are making money and profits illegally at the expense of the health, safety and well-being of our people, especially our children and youth.

According to Tabuya, Fiji is a sovereign state and the country must stand up and make a strong statement to combat the illegal drug trade both within and outside our borders.

In 1979, Fiji abolished the death penalty for ordinary crimes. In 2015, the death penalty was abolished for all crimes. The last execution took place in 1964.