Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, has voiced her opposition to demands for naming the perpetrators of Fiji’s coups, suggesting that such actions could hinder the nation’s healing process. Kiran addressed calls from political leaders and organizations, emphasizing that reflecting on Fiji’s complicated history is more beneficial than attributing blame, as the distinction between victims and perpetrators is often not clear-cut.
Amidst pressures to name those responsible as part of proceedings from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), Kiran pointed out that the Commission’s main purpose is to foster national healing rather than deepen divides. She highlighted that framing the coups purely as ethnic conflicts is both misleading and harmful, and she urged a more nuanced understanding of past events.
Kiran referred to the perspective of the NGO Coalition on Human Rights, which supports the idea that the lines between culpability and victimhood in Fiji’s tumultuous history are not distinct. The Minister noted past incidents, including the coups of 1987 and from 2000 to 2006, as integral to understanding the country’s journey forward.
With the recent appointment of a new TRC Chair, Kiran expressed optimism that the healing process will receive a strong impetus. TRC Commissioner Sekove Naqiolevu affirmed that the hearings will extend until October, leading to a comprehensive final report slated for submission to the President by January 2027. The Commission is focused on encouraging participation and building trust within communities, allowing individuals to share their stories without fear, thereby supporting social cohesion and reconciliation for those who have endured pain for decades.
This approach reflects an understanding that true healing will require unity and shared narratives rather than division, laying groundwork for a more harmonious future for Fiji.
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