Fiji is set to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to address grievances stemming from the 1987 coup. Sashi Kiran, the chair of the TRC steering committee and Assistant Minister for Women, confirmed that the commission will investigate and tackle human rights violations that have occurred since that time.
“We are in the process of drafting legislation to present to Parliament,” Ms. Kiran announced. “Once the Bill is approved by the Cabinet and subsequently by Parliament, the President will appoint the commission.”
The commission is expected to function independently from the government, similar to other established bodies such as the Constitutional Officers Commission. Ms. Kiran noted that the steering committee’s role will conclude once the commission is formed, allowing it to establish its own procedures for gathering testimonies and promoting healing and reconciliation.
The commission will be tasked with investigating human rights abuses that have occurred from 1987 to the present. The establishment of this body is seen as a crucial step toward reconciling Fiji’s historical political and human rights challenges.