Joaquim Da Fonseca has been appointed as the new chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, an important role that was formalized during a ceremony at State House this morning, where he took his oath of office in the presence of President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.
Fonseca brings a wealth of experience to the position, having dedicated over 20 years to the fields of reconciliation, peacebuilding, transitional justice, and human rights, particularly in post-conflict and transitional environments. His extensive background includes significant roles in Timor-Leste and at the United Nations, which was highlighted by Minister for Women, Sashi Kiran. She expressed the government’s confidence in Fonseca’s capabilities, emphasizing his strong regional and international experience. Kiran noted that his expertise, drawn from Timor-Leste’s journey through comprehensive truth and reconciliation efforts, could greatly benefit Fiji in its pursuit of healing and closure.
Prior to this appointment, Fonseca served as Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom and the Netherlands from 2013 to 2019, and held the position of Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva from 2009 to 2013. His previous roles include being the Coordinator and Senior Advisor for Timor-Leste’s National Commission for Reconciliation, where he contributed to national reconciliation initiatives addressing past internal conflicts, and he served as Senior Advisor for Human Rights and Civil Society at the Office of the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste from 2006 to 2009.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Fiji is designed to operate independently, and the Coalition Government has committed to ensuring it is sufficiently resourced to fulfill its essential mandate. Established under the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Act, passed by Parliament in December 2024, the Commission is tasked with facilitating truth-telling regarding political upheavals starting from the 1987 coup, with the aim of promoting healing, closure, and reconciliation for survivors of these challenging historical periods.
Fonseca’s appointment is seen as a hopeful step toward addressing historical grievances and fostering a collective healing process in Fiji, as the nation seeks to navigate its past events and work towards a more united future.
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