The Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission (FTRC) is making significant strides in enhancing survivor care by launching a national network of trained, trauma-informed psychosocial professionals. This initiative aims to support individuals who engage with the Commission’s reconciliation processes.
Collaborating with organizations such as Birth Fiji, The Soulful Connection, Aruka Fiji, and Inner Harmony, the FTRC ensures that survivors and witnesses receive safe, confidential, and culturally sensitive wellbeing support as they navigate their healing journeys. The partnership was officially established at the Commission’s Office in Suva, reinforcing its commitment to a survivor-centered approach in truth-telling, healing, and restoration.
Commissioner Rachna Nath emphasized the importance of empathy and trust in their process. She remarked, “We understand that sharing deeply personal experiences can be re-traumatizing for some, and this partnership ensures that no one walks that journey alone. Every survivor deserves to be heard and supported with compassion and care.”
As soon as survivors disclose trauma or distress, the psychosocial referral pool will be activated, connecting them with trusted providers. In specific areas, these professionals may also act as advisors or facilitators within community systems. The initiative seeks to create a lasting impact on mental health infrastructure throughout Fiji, enhancing collaborative efforts between community support networks and mental health practitioners.
Aruka Fiji founder, Ratu Inoke Drauna, remarked on the importance of this partnership, highlighting the need for ongoing mental health support for trauma-affected individuals. Similarly, BIRTH FIJI’s CEO, Satib Nisha Khan, stressed the necessity of trauma-informed counseling for survivors who are bravely sharing their stories. Joseph Snodgrass, founder of The Soulful Connection, noted the historical context of Fiji’s mental health challenges, which stem from unresolved past traumas, particularly from political upheavals, thus making the Commission’s work both timely and essential.
This collaborative initiative envisions advancing collective healing and resilience across Fiji, fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes psychological well-being. The Commission is actively engaging with survivors, communities, and partners to create a foundation of trust and national unity through truth-telling and restorative justice. The hope is that these efforts will pave the way for a more inclusive society focused on healing and reconciliation, enabling a brighter future for all Fijians.
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