Fiji will soon introduce a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to tackle grievances stemming from the 1987 coup. Sashi Kiran, the chair of the TRC steering committee and Assistant Minister for Women, announced that the commission will focus on investigating and addressing human rights violations that have occurred since 1987.
Kiran stated that a legislative draft is currently being prepared to present to Parliament. Following approval from the Cabinet and Parliament, the President will appoint the commission.
She emphasized that the TRC would function independently from the Government, akin to other commissions such as the Constitutional Officers Commission (COC). The steering committee’s responsibilities will conclude once the commission is established, allowing it to create its own processes for gathering testimonies and facilitating healing and reconciliation.
The commission’s mandate will encompass an investigation into human rights violations from 1987 to the present. Establishing this commission is considered a crucial step towards reconciling Fiji’s historical political and human rights challenges.