Fiji is set to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to investigate grievances stemming from the 1987 coup. Sashi Kiran, the chair of the TRC steering committee and Assistant Minister for Women, confirmed that the commission will focus on addressing human rights violations that have occurred since that time.
Kiran stated that work is underway to draft legislation that will be submitted to Parliament. She explained that following the approval of the bill by the Cabinet and Parliament, the President will appoint the commission.
The TRC is intended to function independently from the Government, much like other commissions such as the Constitutional Officers Commission (COC). Kiran indicated that the steering committee’s duties will conclude once the commission is established, allowing it to create its own processes for collecting testimonies and facilitating reconciliation and healing.
The commission will investigate human rights violations from 1987 to the present, marking a significant step in addressing and reconciling the political and human rights issues of Fiji’s past.