Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka introduced the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Bill 2024 in Parliament on Thursday for its first reading. The motion was supported by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad. According to Standing Orders 84(1), the Bill will be included in the Order Paper and scheduled for a second reading at a future date. Speaker Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu indicated that the Prime Minister would announce the second reading. He encouraged Members of Parliament to review the Bill and prepare for a debate focusing on its principles and merits.
The Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission Bill 2024 aims to create a Commission to facilitate open dialogue, address historical grievances, and promote national unity and reconciliation in Fiji. The Bill outlines provisions including the short title and commencement, definitions of terms, and the binding nature of the legislation on the State. It establishes a Commission with five members appointed by the President and details the Commission’s functions and powers. Furthermore, it includes provisions for the Minister to enact necessary regulations and outlines a Code of Conduct and an oath of office for Commissioners. The new legislation will fall under the authority of the Minister responsible for truth and reconciliation.