The Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission (FTRC) is set to appoint a neutral international expert as its chairperson, with committee members chosen for their apolitical background. Sashi Kiran, chairperson of the FTRC steering committee, outlined this strategy while discussing the importance of impartiality in handling cases of public concern.
Currently, the steering committee is conducting public consultations nationwide to gather input that will be incorporated into a draft bill for parliamentary approval. Kiran noted that the draft bill includes provisions for an independent chairperson from abroad.
She emphasized that the commission will function independently, ensuring decisions are made by the committee without outside influence. During a recent public consultation in Labasa, attendees voiced concerns that appointing a local chairperson could introduce bias in case management. In response, some participants recommended appointing a seasoned expert in Transitional Justice, such as Ruben Carranza, as the chair.
Fiji Labour Party politician Surendra Lal and others stressed the necessity for highly qualified members within the commission. Kiran recognized these suggestions and clarified that the four local committee members, or commissioners, will also be required to have no political affiliations to foster trust in the fairness and transparency of the process.
The commission’s office bearers will be appointed with the endorsement of President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere. The draft proposal outlines a commission operating for 18 months, with the possibility of extension as decided by the President.
Additionally, a specialized staff team, including translators, counselors, and support personnel, will be appointed to assist with reconciliation initiatives and gather cases and public opinions. Kiran indicated that these staff members would work throughout the country to facilitate reconciliation efforts focused on addressing the impacts of historical abuses and violence, particularly those arising from the coups of 1987 and 2000, which resulted in significant suffering for the Indo-Fijian community.
Ruben Carranza, a senior expert from the International Centre for Transitional Justice based in New York City, affirmed that the commission’s goal is to resolve these issues and work towards preventing the recurrence of similar events in the future.