The Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission (FTRC) is set to appoint a neutral overseas expert as chairperson, ensuring committee members are chosen for their apolitical stance. Sashi Kiran, chairperson of the FTRC steering committee, discussed this strategy in response to queries about maintaining neutrality in evaluating public interest cases.
Currently, the steering committee is engaging in public consultations nationwide to collect input for inclusion in the draft bill that will be submitted to parliament for approval. Ms. Kiran stated, “This neutral appointment is part of the draft bill, which proposes an independent chair from overseas.” She emphasized that the commission will operate autonomously, with all decisions made by the committee free of external influences.
During a public consultation in Labasa, participants raised concerns that appointing a local chairperson could result in potential bias in handling specific cases. To alleviate these worries, some suggested a candidate with the credentials of Transitional Justice expert Ruben Carranza for the chairperson role.
Fiji Labour Party politician Surendra Lal, along with fellow attendees, stressed the importance of including highly qualified individuals on the commission. Ms. Kiran acknowledged these suggestions, clarifying that, in addition to the chairperson, the four local committee members (commissioners) will also be required to have no political affiliations. “This will be implemented so that people trust the process of fairness and transparency,” she added.
The commission’s office bearers will receive endorsement from President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere. According to the draft proposal, the commission is expected to function for 18 months, after which the President will determine if extensions are necessary. Specialized staff, including translators, counselors, and other support personnel, will also be recruited.
Ms. Kiran noted that these staff members will travel to various regions across the country to conduct reconciliation efforts and gather cases and opinions. The commission aims to address issues of abuse and violence stemming from past events that have caused trauma among certain groups in the population, particularly related to the impacts of the 1987 and 2000 coups, which resulted in significant property damage and violence against the Indo-Fijian community.
Senior expert Ruben Carranza from the International Centre for Transitional Justice based in New York City highlighted that the commission’s goal is to resolve these issues and work towards preventing similar occurrences in the future.