Fiji is set to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to address grievances stemming from the 1987 coup. Sashi Kiran, chair of the TRC steering committee and Assistant Minister for Women, confirmed that the commission will investigate human rights violations that have occurred since that time.
Kiran mentioned that a piece of legislation is being drafted to present to Parliament. “Once the Bill is approved by the Cabinet and subsequently by Parliament, the President will appoint the commission,” she stated.
The commission will operate independently from the Government, similar to other established bodies like the Constitutional Officers Commission (COC). According to Kiran, the role of the steering committee will end with the formation of the commission, which will then develop its own processes for gathering testimonies and fostering healing and reconciliation.
The commission will be tasked with investigating human rights violations from 1987 to the present and is seen as a crucial step toward reconciling and addressing Fiji’s historical political and human rights challenges.