The Assistant Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Sakiusa Tubuna, stated that the primary goal of the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is to foster healing, reconciliation, forgiveness, and trust to promote social cohesion and unity within the country.
The Commission, which is chaired by Assistant Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, and supported by committee member Tubuna, held discussions with political parties in Suva yesterday.
Approved by the Cabinet, the committee’s role is to oversee the development of the legal framework for the TRC. Tubuna emphasized that the essence of establishing the TRC is to assist victims in finding healing and closure through genuine reconciliation with their perpetrators.
Kiran added that the intention is to heal past wounds and provide closure, with the hope that future generations will avoid repeating similar mistakes. She acknowledged that discussions with various stakeholders reveal a range of traumas and conflicts, making the process challenging.
During the consultations, key issues were raised regarding the legal definitions within the draft and the necessity for fair definitions to guarantee justice and accountability. Concerns were also expressed regarding the TRC’s credibility in building trust and ensuring transparency, particularly in processes focused on healing historical grievances. Furthermore, discussions highlighted the importance of the Commission’s independence from the Government to carry out its mandate impartially, ensuring that all voices are heard and justice is pursued equitably.
Additionally, senior members of media organizations participated in a consultation on the draft legal framework for the establishment of the Commission, offering their perspectives on the proposed provisions.