A former member of Parliament is advocating for the Fijian Government to swiftly implement formal village by-laws as a crucial element of the national strategy to address drug-related challenges. Niko Nawaikula stated that the existing laws currently lack a necessary community-based enforcement mechanism, which could significantly enhance local responses to the escalating drug issue.
In his recent proposal, Nawaikula underscored that effective governance in Fiji of the past was rooted in village by-laws, alongside traditional leadership and native courts. However, these systems have weakened over time, primarily due to a lack of updates and their integration into contemporary legal frameworks.
He argued that the re-establishment of recognized by-laws would empower communities to take legal action against drug-related activities, ensuring adherence to constitutional rights. “Communities cannot take enforcement action today without proper legal backing. When illegal cultivation is found, villagers cannot simply remove the crops or expel offenders without risking a violation of constitutional rights. Adequately enacted village by-laws would provide the legitimate framework for action,” Nawaikula explained.
His suggestions align with international standards, including the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which advocates for recognizing Indigenous governance structures. Nawaikula has urged the Government to hasten the process of implementing these formal by-laws within the iTaukei Affairs framework, complementing existing narcotics regulations.
Additionally, he proposed designating villages and schools as protected zones, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding these foundational community institutions. He recommended creating Village Narcotics Protection Committees, which would have defined statutory roles for community oversight, intelligence gathering, and referrals for rehabilitation. Such committees could aid authorities in identifying trafficking routes and dangers within rural zones, taking a multifaceted approach to the drug crisis.
Nawaikula asserted that enforcement alone cannot effectively combat the drug problem. Instead, strengthening village by-laws would enhance cultural governance and foster social accountability, key aspects necessary for protecting Fijian communities from the perils posed by illegal drugs. This strategy not only seeks to bolster public safety but also cultivates a stronger sense of community resilience and responsibility, paving the way for a more hopeful future in addressing these pressing concerns.