16/02/2026
Rainbow Pride Foundation Statement on Counter Narcotics Bills 2026
Suva, Fiji — The Interim CEO of Rainbow Pride Foundation (RPF) , Asaeli Sinusetaki reaffirms the organization’s commitment to advancing human rights, health equity, social justice, and the dignity of all people in Fiji — including le***an, gay, bis*xual, transgender, q***r, inters*x and other gender-diverse communities — across all areas of public policy, including national responses to drugs and substance use.
RPF recognises that drug abuse and illicit narcotics present serious and complex challenges to the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities nationwide. Effective legislation must therefore be grounded in evidence, guided by human rights standards, and centred on public health principles. Responses to drug-related harm should prioritise prevention, harm reduction, treatment access, and community safety — rather than relying primarily on punitive enforcement measures that risk disproportionately affecting marginalised populations.
As the Counter Narcotics Bills 2026 are debated and consulted upon, RPF calls for the following principles to guide their development and implementation:
1. Human-Centred, Health-First Approaches
Policy frameworks must emphasise harm reduction and rehabilitation over criminalisation. Adequate investment is needed in psychosocial services, community-based care, and culturally competent health services for people affected by drug dependency, including LGBTQI individuals who often face additional barriers to accessing care. Legislative reform should not simply increase penalties without equal and sustained investment in prevention, education, and services that address the social determinants of substance use.
2. Respect for Human Rights and Non-Discrimination
Any counter-narcotics law must explicitly safeguard against discrimination and uphold the constitutional rights of all people, irrespective of s*xual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or HIV status. Enforcement mechanisms must be transparent, accountable, and designed to prevent abuses of power that could further marginalise vulnerable communities.
3. Inclusive Consultation and Trust-Building
RPF supports inclusive and transparent public consultation processes that meaningfully engage youth, civil society, and affected communities. Integrating lived experience into legislative design strengthens public trust, enhances legitimacy, and ensures that laws reflect the realities and needs of all Fijians.
4. Integrated Public Health and Social Support Systems
Counter-narcotics strategies should be aligned with broader public health systems — including mental health services, HIV prevention initiatives, and social protection programmes — to deliver coordinated, effective responses that strengthen overall community resilience and wellbeing.
5. Monitoring, Data, and Evaluation
The proposed legislation must include clear mechanisms for monitoring, evaluation, and public reporting on the social and health impacts of enforcement and intervention programmes. Particular attention should be given to impacts on LGBTQI and other marginalised populations to ensure policies remain responsive and protective of rights.
Rainbow Pride Foundation remains ready to engage constructively with government, civil society, and community partners to help shape counter-narcotics policy that promotes public health, strengthens justice systems, and protects the human rights and dignity of all people in Fiji.
