Balancing act

THE Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is talking about spot checks or random blood tests being allowed in schools. It makes sense, however, he makes it clear as well that they should only be carried out if they do not violate any human rights laws.

He was expressing concern in the wake of the discovery of illicit drugs on two high school students recently.

“It should be allowed,” Mr Rabuka said. “We can take a further step into introducing health measures. We do not have to ask to look into the bag but can we do spot blood checks and if that is not against human rights laws it will have to be dealt with along those lines.

“If the medical authority think it can be implemented it must be.”

It is all in keeping with the fight to stop students being used as drug mules or to peddle drugs in schools.

However, while there may be some good seen in this cause of action, there may be concern also on human rights and privacy, and in the case of students, consent.

Then there would be the issue of associated challenges in terms of results. How do we then manage stigma or discrimination, or do we just accept it as a deterrent?

Understandably there would have to be guidelines and protocols for such a measure.

This is when we will need communication and consultation.

In any event, emphasis then should be on awareness, and education.

It makes sense that we should be pushing for collaboration. Involve parents and guardians, and communities.

The comments we are getting now including one from the Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua and Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Livai Driu show the level of concern that is out there.

Mr Tikoduadua says an action plan is in the works with the Ministry of Education to prevent children or students being used as drug mules. He said students being searched in schools could be an option for Government.

Mr Driu has urged parents and guardians to talk to their children about the consequences of drug use and other harmful substances.

He is urging people to report any information which can assist law enforcement in their fight against drugs. Several arrests and seizures over the past week were carried out in Nabouwalu, Labasa, Taveuni, Seaqaqa and Savusavu which raises the level of concern even further.

Mr Rabuka made another observation. We have a situation; he believes that may have been brewing for some time.

For whatever it is worth, there are complex issues we will have to consider and effectively deal with urgently.

We have a serious issue before us. It is sad that young children are involved in the drug trade. It is sad that they may have been dragged into this, and their vulnerabilities exposed! But we must understand the harmful effects of drugs, the complex issues, and the balance we need to protect our children, while reflecting on rights and privacy. That is why we will need clear guidelines urgently.

We have a massive challenge before us as a nation. We can either do nothing, or be part of the change that must happen! The best thing is that we are talking about it at the highest levels of our Government! The time for action is now!