Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka introduced the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Bill 2024 in Parliament on Thursday, marking its first presentation. The proposal received endorsement from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad.
According to Standing Orders 84(1), the Bill was read for the first time and will be placed on the Order Paper for a second reading at a future parliamentary session. Speaker Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu indicated that the Prime Minister would announce the date for this second reading and encouraged Members of Parliament to review the Bill and prepare for the ensuing debate, focusing on its principles and merits.
The Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission Bill 2024 aims to create a Commission that fosters open dialogue, addressing historical grievances and promoting national unity and reconciliation within Fiji. The first clause of the Bill outlines its title and commencement, noting that if passed, the legislation will take effect on dates specified by the Minister through a Gazette notice.
Subsequent clauses define key terms, outline the binding nature of the legislation on the State, establish the Commission with five members appointed by the President, and detail the Commission’s functions and powers. Additionally, one clause permits the Minister to create necessary regulations to achieve the Bill’s objectives, while the schedules provide a Code of Conduct for the Commission and the oath of office required for Commissioners. The new legislation will fall under the oversight of the Minister responsible for truth and reconciliation.