War on drugs must go beyond punishment, minister says

Fiji’s fight against drugs must go beyond punishment and include balanced and evidence-based strategies, Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga told Parliament.

Mr Turaga said enforcement alone would not solve the growing drug crisis.

“While strong enforcement remains essential, punishment alone cannot be our only strategy.”

He said international discussions had highlighted the need for broader approaches.

“Experiences from other jurisdictions demonstrate that rigid approaches alone do not always produce just or effective outcomes.”

Mr Turaga said the country was facing a wider social crisis linked to drugs.

“Our response must therefore address the full reality of the crisis. The war we face is not simply a war on offenders. It is a war against drugs, addiction, exploitation and the criminal networks that profit from our vulnerabilities.”

He said drug abuse was also contributing to other national challenges.

“Drugs are also fueling wider public health challenges, including the rise in HIV infections.”

He said responses such as rehabilitation and harm-reduction initiatives could help reduce the spread of disease while supporting recovery.

“Innovative and pragmatic responses, including harm-reduction initiatives and rehabilitation programs, can play an important role in reducing the spread of disease while creating pathways for treatment, counselling and reintegration into society.”