Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka presented the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Bill 2024 in Parliament for the first time on Thursday. The motion accompanying the bill was also introduced during the session. It received support from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad.
According to Standing Orders 84(1), the bill has been officially read and will now be included in the Order Paper for a future second reading. Speaker Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu announced that the Prime Minister would notify Parliament regarding the date for this second reading. He encouraged Members of Parliament to take the opportunity to review the bill in preparation for a debate that will focus on its principles and merits.
The proposed Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission Bill 2024 aims to create a commission that promotes open dialogue and addresses historical grievances while fostering national unity and reconciliation in Fiji. The first clause of the bill outlines its title and implementation timeline, indicating that if Parliament approves it, the legislation will take effect on a date designated by the Minister through a Gazette notice.
The second clause defines the terminology employed in the bill, while the third defines its purposes. The legislation bind the State during its execution, as indicated in the fourth clause. The fifth clause establishes the Commission, consisting of five members appointed by the President. Further, the sixth and seventh clauses outline the functions and powers of the Commission, respectively. The twenty-first clause allows the Minister to create necessary regulations to ensure the bill’s objectives are met.
Additionally, Schedule 1 of the bill includes a Code of Conduct for the Commission, and Schedule 2 outlines the oath or affirmation of office that commissioners will take. The oversight of the new legislation falls under the responsibility of the Minister accountable for truth and reconciliation.