Suggestions about the death penalty harmful, regressive and counterproductive to the progressive development of human rights

27 Aug, 2024

Starts

We support the statement by the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission on the death penalty not being the solution to Fiji’s rising drug problems.

The NGOCHR believes the growing national conversation led by Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya for the death penalty to be considered an option to Fiji’s drug problem is harmful, regressive and counter-productive to the progressive development of human rights. We believe these ideas and statements do not belong in an evolving democracy like Fiji.

Coalition Chair Shamima Ali says 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.

No one has the right to take away someone else’s life.

“We urge the Minister to offer a real alternative to austerity, poverty and alienation which means giving young people opportunities, building economic security and investing in our communities to create a fairer and safer society for all” added Ali.

We call on the Minister to address root causes, look at the evidence and create better policies for people. There must be a concerted national approach to deal with this issue – all of Government and civil society.

Ends

The NGO Coalition on Human Rights is a coalition of civil society organisations that works towards a Fiji that respects and protects human rights and fundamental freedoms within the framework of the rule of law.

Members of the NGOCHR include the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC), Fiji Women’s Rights Movement (FWRM), Citizens Constitutional Forum (CCF), femLINKPacific, Social Empowerment and Education Program (SEEP) and DIVA for Equality Fiji (DIVA). Pacific Network on Globalisation is an observer (PANG).