The Fijian Parliament has officially enacted the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Bill, a significant milestone for the Peoples Coalition Government as it marks its second year in office. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka presented the Bill under Standing Order 51, setting the stage for the establishment of a Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This Commission aims to encourage open dialogue, address historical conflicts, and promote national unity and reconciliation among the Fijian people.
During the Bill’s drafting phase, Rabuka highlighted the Committee’s extensive consultations with both victims and perpetrators of various political events. Input was gathered from a diverse range of stakeholders, including civil society organizations, faith-based groups, human rights advocates, media representatives, political parties, and communities from the Northern, Western, and Central divisions of Fiji.
The Commission’s primary goal is to foster social cohesion through healing and reconciliation. It seeks to facilitate an open and honest discussion about the political turbulence experienced during the coup periods and provide closure and healing for the affected individuals.
The passage of the Bill was achieved with a vote count of 30 in favor and 15 against, and it will henceforth be referred to as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act of 2024.
This initiative not only represents a step towards addressing past grievances but also reflects a commitment to a more unified and peaceful Fiji. As the nation embarks on this journey of reconciliation, there is hope that it will pave the way for a brighter future where diverse voices are heard and honored, fostering a climate of understanding and collective healing among all Fijians.
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