Ruben Carranza, a senior expert from the International Center for Transitional Justice, stated that it is not too late for Fiji to set up its Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Carranza is part of a team conducting nationwide public consultations on the proposed legal framework for this commission.
In an interview, Carranza emphasized that there is no specific timeline for establishing a reconciliation commission, noting that similar commissions have been initiated years or even decades after significant events. He remarked that some truth commissions address historical issues that date back centuries.
He pointed out that ongoing issues often motivate the creation of truth commissions, indicating that their persistence suggests a need for truth-seeking as a solution. Carranza further explained that traditional justice and accountability systems may not effectively address certain historical legacies, highlighting that the best time to establish such a commission is whenever the opportunity arises.
He acknowledged the uncertainty in the design and outcomes of truth commissions, which underscores the importance of public consultations. These events allow citizens to be informed about the commission’s creation and potentially participate in its design.
The consultations are set to continue today at the Fiji Sugarcane Growers Hall in Lautoka from 9 AM to 12 PM.