Fiji is set to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to address grievances stemming from the 1987 coup. Sashi Kiran, chair of the TRC steering committee and Assistant Minister for Women, announced that the commission will investigate human rights violations occurring since 1987.
“We are in the process of drafting legislation to present to Parliament,” Ms. Kiran stated. “Once the Bill receives approval from the Cabinet and Parliament, the President will appoint the commission.”
She emphasized that the commission will function independently of the Government, akin to other commissions such as the Constitutional Officers Commission (COC). According to Ms. Kiran, the steering committee’s responsibilities will end with the formation of the commission, which will then have the authority to create its own methods for gathering testimonies and promoting healing and reconciliation.
The commission is expected to examine human rights violations from 1987 to the present. Ms. Kiran remarked that its establishment marks a crucial advancement in addressing and reconciling Fiji’s historical political and human rights challenges.