The Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission (FTRC) is set to appoint a neutral international expert as chairperson, with committee members chosen for their nonpartisan views. Sashi Kiran, the chairperson of the FTRC steering committee, discussed this strategy while addressing concerns regarding impartiality in reviewing public interest cases.
Currently, the steering committee is engaging in public consultations nationwide to collect insights that will be incorporated into the draft bill for parliamentary approval. Kiran emphasized that the independent appointment of an overseas chairperson is a key element of the draft bill.
She assured that the commission will function autonomously, with the committee making decisions independently and free from external influence. During a public consultation session in Labasa, attendees voiced worries that a local chairperson might lead to biases in handling certain issues. To mitigate these fears, participants recommended appointing a qualified professional, such as Transitional Justice expert Ruben Carranza, as chairperson.
Fiji Labour Party member Surendra Lal and others at the meeting stressed the importance of including highly qualified individuals on the commission. Kiran acknowledged these suggestions and reiterated that the four local committee members, or commissioners, must also be free from political ties. She emphasized that these measures are intended to foster public confidence in the fairness and transparency of the process.
The confirmation of the commission’s leadership will be sanctioned by the President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere. As outlined in the draft proposal, the commission is expected to operate for 18 months, after which the President will determine whether to extend its duration. Additional personnel, including translators, counselors, and support staff, will also be engaged.
Kiran indicated that these staff members will conduct outreach throughout the country to facilitate reconciliation initiatives and gather testimonies and opinions. The commission is focused on addressing issues of abuse and violence stemming from historical events that have left lasting scars on specific communities. Among the matters to be tackled are the repercussions of the coups in 1987 and 2000, which particularly affected the Indo-Fijian population through loss of property, violence, and other forms of mistreatment.
Senior expert Ruben Carranza from the International Centre for Transitional Justice in New York City noted that the commission is dedicated to resolving these issues and working to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents in the future.