Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry has highlighted the necessity of addressing the underlying causes of division in Fiji to foster a peaceful society. Speaking at the Heavenly Culture World Peace Restoration of Light Summit in Suva, Mr. Chaudhry pointed out that unresolved grievances from the coup era must be tackled to avoid future unrest in the community.
He emphasized that establishing a truth and reconciliation framework is crucial for achieving lasting peace in the nation. “The violence, the breakdown of law and order, and the racially discriminatory policies that accompanied the coups have fostered deep-rooted ethnic divisions and eroded trust in the post-coup government,” he stated.
Mr. Chaudhry urged for an inclusive society where every individual feels empowered to contribute to peace, emphasizing that as a nation, this goal has yet to be realized. He remarked that despite the significant setbacks caused by the coups, there has been no effective mechanism established to confront the root issues of division, ethnic suspicion, and distrust.
While acknowledging the government’s commitment to United Nations initiatives promoting peace, he asserted that similar efforts should be undertaken domestically. “There has been insufficient investment in creating institutions or frameworks to address the consequences of the coup and to encourage unity among races,” he noted.
He called for the establishment of a truth and reconciliation mechanism to uncover the past and address historical grievances, not as a means of witch-hunting but to reconcile with painful memories. “We need to engage in open dialogue, strengthen our democratic institutions, and ensure marginalized voices are heard,” he said.
Mr. Chaudhry affirmed that Fiji’s strength lies in its diversity, but warned against exploiting this diversity for conflict. He insisted on the need for lasting peace, stressing the importance of promoting social equity and inclusivity across all communities. “We require policies that are fair, transparent, and serve the common good. Genuine peace cannot exist without justice,” he concluded.