The Assistant Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Sakiusa Tubuna, emphasized that the primary goal of the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) is to encourage healing, reconciliation, forgiveness, and trust, thereby fostering social unity within the nation.
Chaired by Assistant Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, the Commission, supported by Tubuna as a committee member, engaged in discussions with political parties in Suva yesterday.
Approved by the Cabinet, the committee aims to oversee the development of the legal framework for the TRC. Tubuna stated, “The essence of establishing the TRC is to assist those who have suffered violations in finding healing and closure through sincere reconciliation with the perpetrators.”
Kiran added that the initiative seeks to provide closure and answers regarding past events, with the hope that future generations will learn from these experiences and avoid repeating past mistakes.
She acknowledged the complexity of the discussions, noting that various stakeholders express different traumas and conflicts.
During the consultations, several crucial issues emerged, including the need for clear legal definitions within the draft to ensure justice and accountability. Concerns were also raised regarding the TRC’s credibility in building trust and maintaining transparency, particularly in processes aimed at addressing historical grievances. There were discussions about the Commission’s necessity to operate independently from the Government, ensuring that it fulfills its mandate impartially and that all voices are heard in the pursuit of justice.
Additionally, senior members from media organizations participated in a consultation regarding the draft legal framework for establishing the Commission, offering their perspectives on the proposed provisions.