Fiji’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, represented by Commissioner Ana Laqeretabua, emphasizes the vital role of partnerships with civil society organizations in effectively reaching communities across the nation. With a limited team comprising just five commissioners and 20 staff members, the Commission acknowledges its own limitations in engaging with every community independently.
To address this challenge, Laqeretabua highlights collaborations with notable organizations, such as the Pacific Centre for Peacebuilding, leveraging their grassroots networks. This strategic approach includes working alongside district advisory councils and various government ministries, thus enhancing the Commission’s ability to connect at the community level.
Through initiatives funded by the United Nations Development Programme Peacebuilding Fund, the Commission has successfully conducted workshops that invite community members—often facilitated by NGO partners—to share their experiences. Laqeretabua notes that the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, indicating a strong community interest in engaging with the Commission’s work.
Revisiting the events of Fiji’s tumultuous political history, particularly those starting from 1987, can be a daunting task for many individuals. However, the safe and supportive environment fostered by the Commission has empowered people to open up about their experiences as part of their healing journey.
Additionally, Laqeretabua mentions the involvement of younger generations who have grown up in the shadows of political upheaval during the coups of 1987, 2000, and 2006. These conversations allow families to discuss how such events have influenced their upbringing, contributing to a broader understanding of the societal impacts of past political turmoil.
The dialogues initiated by the Commission are not only facilitating the confrontation of Fiji’s historical challenges but are also paving the way for national healing and reconciliation in the future. By fostering open communication and understanding, Fiji is taking meaningful strides towards addressing its past and moving forward as a unified nation.
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