The Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission (FTRC) plans to appoint a neutral international expert as its chairperson, with committee members chosen for their non-political affiliations. Sashi Kiran, the chair of the FTRC steering committee, outlined this strategy during a discussion on maintaining objectivity in evaluating public interest cases.
The steering committee is currently engaged in public consultations nationwide to gather input to shape the draft bill for parliamentary approval. Kiran emphasized that the proposal includes the appointment of an independent overseas chairperson, ensuring the commission’s autonomy in decision-making, free from external pressure.
During a public forum in Labasa, some attendees raised concerns about potential bias in local appointments. Suggestions were made for someone with the qualifications of Transitional Justice expert Ruben Carranza to fulfill the role of chairperson. Fiji Labour Party politician Surendra Lal echoed the call for the inclusion of highly skilled members on the commission.
In response to these suggestions, Kiran reiterated that the chairperson, along with the four local commissioners, must have no political ties. This measure aims to foster public trust in the fairness and transparency of the process.
The appointment of the commission’s officials will require the endorsement of President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere. The draft proposal suggests that the commission will function for 18 months, after which the President will assess the need for extensions.
The commission will also hire specialized staff, including translators and counselors, who will travel to different regions to facilitate reconciliation efforts and collect testimony and opinions. It will focus on addressing issues of abuse and violence stemming from past traumatic events, particularly the impacts of the coups in 1987 and 2000 that significantly affected the Indo-Fijian community through violence and destruction of property.
Senior expert Ruben Carranza from the International Centre for Transitional Justice in New York City highlighted that the commission’s goal is to resolve these historical challenges and prevent recurrence of such events in the future.