Proposed Fiji Counter Narcotics Bill 2026

23rd February 2026

The Alliance for Future Generations (AFG) has submitted its official response to the proposed Fiji Counter Narcotics Bill 2026 to the Ministry of Policing and Communications.

This submission is grounded in consultations with young diverse people across Fiji and reflects growing concerns about the impact of drugs on communities, families, and youth. While AFG supports strong action against organised drug networks, we emphasise that the law must also protect vulnerable individuals, especially young people, and promote rehabilitation, prevention, and human rights.

OUR POSITION

AFG supports a balanced, evidence-based approach to drug policy.

We believe the proposed law must clearly distinguish between:

• Major traffickers and organised criminal networks

• Small-scale possession

• First-time and low-level youth offenders

  
  

While those profiting from large-scale drug operations should face serious penalties, young people and low-level users should not be subjected to punishments that permanently damage their futures.

KEY RECOMMENDATION

AFG’s submission outlines several priority areas for the Bill:

1. Focus Enforcement Where It Matters Most

The law should prioritise dismantling organised drug networks and large-scale traffickers, rather than disproportionately penalising minor offenders.

2. Invest in Prevention

Prevention must go beyond one-off awareness sessions. AFG recommends sustained efforts across:

• Schools (integrated, age-appropriate drug education)

• Families (parenting support and early intervention)

• Communities (targeted awareness campaigns)

• Digital spaces (addressing online drug markets and misinformation)

• Tertiary institutions and workplaces

3. Make Rehabilitation Central

Rehabilitation should be a core pillar of the national response.

First-time and low-level offenders especially youth, should be offered diversion programmes instead of automatic criminal prosecution. These should include:

• Counselling and mental health support

• Trauma-informed care

• Safe detox services

• Family and community involvement

• Skills training and employment pathways

  
  

Addiction must be treated as a public health issue, not simply a criminal one.

4. Strengthen Safeguards and Human Rights Protections

AFG calls for strong safeguards to ensure the law is fair and just:

• Confidentiality protections for those seeking medical help

• Protection against discrimination and profiling

• Proportionate sentencing

• Child-sensitive and gender-responsive approaches

• Reintegration pathways, including restorative justice

• Independent monitoring and public reporting mechanisms

WHY THIS MATTERS

Young people are at the centre of this issue. Not only as those at risk, but also as part of the solution. Consultations revealed that drug use is often linked to deeper challenges such as poverty, unemployment, trauma, and lack of opportunity. A purely punitive approach risks worsening these issues. A balanced response combining enforcement with prevention and rehabilitation, will better protect communities while safeguarding the futures of young people.

A CALL FOR A BALANCED APPROACH

AFG recognises the urgency of addressing the drug crisis and supports decisive action against organised crime. However, we maintain that all responses must remain consistent with constitutional principles, human rights, and proportional justice.

We urge policymakers to adopt a framework that is:

• Strong against traffickers

• Restorative toward vulnerable users

• Grounded in public health

• Properly resourced for implementation

Read the Full Submission

AFG Submission - Proposed Fiji Counter Narcotics Bill.pdf

Download PDF • 259KB

Closing Note

AFG remains committed to ensuring that young people are meaningfully included in national decision-making processes. The policies shaped today will define the future of our generation.