The Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission (FTRC) plans to select a neutral foreign expert as its chairperson, with the other members chosen for their lack of political ties. Sashi Kiran, who leads the FTRC steering committee, outlined this strategy to ensure impartiality in handling public interest cases.
Currently, the steering committee is holding public consultations across Fiji to gather input for a draft bill that will ultimately be presented for parliamentary approval. Kiran emphasized that the draft proposes the appointment of an independent overseas chairperson as part of its framework.
The commission is set to operate autonomously, with all decisions made internally, free from external influence. During a recent public consultation in Labasa, some attendees expressed concerns about potential bias if a local person were appointed. In response, suggestions were made to consider appointing highly regarded Transitional Justice expert Ruben Carranza as chairperson.
Fiji Labour Party politician Surendra Lal and other participants highlighted the importance of having competent commission members. Kiran responded to these suggestions, reiterating that, alongside the chairperson, the four local committee members must also have no political affiliations.
“The objective is to foster trust in the fairness and transparency of the process,” she stated. The commission’s office bearers will receive endorsement from President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.
According to the draft proposal, the commission will operate for 18 months, after which the President will determine any necessary extensions. The commission will also recruit special staff, including translators, counselors, and support personnel, who will be tasked with conducting reconciliation efforts and gathering cases and opinions from various locations throughout the country.
The FTRC aims to tackle issues of abuse and violence stemming from past events that have caused trauma, particularly focusing on the repercussions of the coups in 1987 and 2000, which significantly impacted the Indo-Fijian community through property damage and violence. Senior expert Ruben Carranza from the International Centre for Transitional Justice in New York emphasized that the commission is focused on resolving these issues and working to prevent similar occurrences in the future.