The Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission (FTRC) plans to appoint a neutral international expert as its chairperson, while selecting committee members based on their non-political backgrounds. Sashi Kiran, who heads the FTRC steering committee, highlighted this strategy as essential for maintaining impartiality in addressing public interest cases.
Currently, the steering committee is conducting nationwide public consultations to gather insights that will help shape the draft bill for parliamentary approval. Ms. Kiran noted that appointing a neutral chairperson from abroad is a critical element of the proposed legislation.
She emphasized that the commission will function independently, with decisions made exclusively by the committee, free from external influences. During a public consultation in Labasa, attendees raised concerns that appointing a local chairperson could introduce biases in handling certain matters. In response, some participants suggested considering an expert like Ruben Carranza, who specializes in Transitional Justice, for the chairperson role.
Fiji Labour Party politician Surendra Lal and other participants underscored the necessity for the commission to consist of highly qualified members. Ms. Kiran acknowledged these suggestions and explained that, alongside the chairperson, all four local committee members must also have no ties to political parties.
“This will be ensured to foster public trust in the fairness and transparency of the process,” she stated. The office bearers of the commission will receive endorsement from President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.
Under the draft proposal, the commission is set to operate for 18 months, with the possibility of extensions determined by the President. The commission will also appoint specialized staff, including translators, counselors, and support personnel, who will travel throughout the country to facilitate reconciliation initiatives and collect testimonies and opinions.
The FTRC aims to address grievances related to past abuses and violence that have left lasting trauma in certain communities. Specifically, it will tackle the repercussions of the coups in 1987 and 2000, events that significantly affected the Indo-Fijian community through property destruction, violence, and abuse. Senior expert Ruben Carranza from the International Centre for Transitional Justice in New York City pointed out that the commission’s goal is to resolve these issues and prevent similar occurrences in the future.