Fiji’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is set to tackle issues stemming from the 1987 coup. Sashi Kiran, chair of the TRC steering committee and Assistant Minister for Women, announced that the commission will investigate human rights violations that have taken place since 1987.
“We are in the process of drafting legislation to be presented to Parliament,” stated Ms. Kiran. “Once the Cabinet passes the Bill, it will be forwarded to Parliament for approval, after which the President will appoint the commission.”
She emphasized that the commission will function independently from the Government, much like other commissions, including the Constitutional Officers Commission (COC). Ms. Kiran noted that the steering committee’s role will conclude upon the establishment of the commission, which will then have the authority to create its own procedures for gathering testimonies and facilitating healing and reconciliation.
The commission will be tasked with investigating human rights violations from 1987 to the present, marking a significant move towards addressing and reconciling Fiji’s historical political and human rights challenges.