The Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is now tasked with the important job of identifying individuals from various sectors, including politics, business, and religion, who were either involved in or supported past coups in the country. This development was highlighted by Inia Seruiratu, the Leader of the Opposition, during a session in Parliament where he and other opposition members expressed the urgency and significance of uncovering the truth surrounding these events.
The Fiji TRC Bill 2024 was successfully passed with 33 votes in favor and 15 against, granting the commission the authority to summon individuals to provide their testimonies regarding their roles in the coups. Mr. Seruiratu emphasized that it is crucial to not only uncover the truth but also to hold accountable those politicians, business leaders, chiefs, and religious figures who may have been complicit in supporting these actions. He recalled his experience during the 2004 court martial of the Counter-Revolutionary Warfare soldiers and called for identifying the political figures behind their actions.
The TRC is chaired by Assistant Minister for Women Sashi Kiran, who reports directly to the Prime Minister. Ms. Kiran affirmed that the commission will have the power to summon those tied to coup-related activities. The committee includes several assistant ministers, highlighting a collaborative governmental approach to this serious matter.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka emphasized that the creation of the TRC involved extensive consultations with both victims and perpetrators of political turmoil, receiving strong support from various demographics across the nation. He believes that the TRC will facilitate healing and reconciliation within society, encouraging survivors of political unrest to share their experiences. The commission will have five members appointed by the President, ensuring its independence and integrity.
This initiative to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Fiji represents a significant step towards confronting the past and fostering a culture of accountability and healing. Through such processes, there remains hope for a more unified and peaceful society.
In summary, the Fiji TRC aims to promote healing by revealing the truth about past political upheavals and holding accountable those who played a role in them. By providing a platform for victims and others affected by these events, the commission seeks to contribute to a more reconciled and forward-looking Fiji.
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