The Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) will consist of five commissioners appointed by the President, according to the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission Bill which was introduced in Parliament last Friday. Among these commissioners, three must be citizens of Fiji.
The Bill specifies that the chairperson will also be chosen by the President from the pool of commissioners.
Commissioners are required to be individuals of integrity and credibility, demonstrating impartiality in their duties while gaining the trust of the Fijian people. They should possess significant qualifications in fields such as social sciences, medicine, law, religious studies, transitional justice, peacebuilding, or other relevant professions that would contribute to the commission’s work.
The chairperson will manage the commission’s meetings, guiding discussions and ensuring that the commission’s goals, including truth-telling, promoting reconciliation, and honoring diverse voices, are effectively advanced.