The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) must represent the diverse population of Fiji to achieve true justice and effective reconciliation. Litiana Lagibalavu, a member of the Alliance for Future Generations, emphasized that the TRC should include individuals with varied skills, knowledge, and experiences to fully address its mission.
Lagibalavu expressed the hopes of Fiji’s youth, wishing for the TRC to shed light on the nation’s history without simply reopening old wounds. She called for a comprehensive and truthful account of the past to avoid repeating previous mistakes and to allow marginalized and oppressed voices to finally be acknowledged.
“We also hope to hear the voices of the marginalized and oppressed, perhaps for the first time,” Lagibalavu stated. “As young people, we value justice and fairness, and we believe everyone in Fiji deserves to have their story told accurately.”
She emphasized the necessity of using both in-person and online engagement strategies to reach younger audiences who predominantly engage through digital platforms. “The goal should be to give those who have suffered in silence a chance to be heard, thus restoring their dignity and justice,” she added.
Lagibalavu urged that the TRC’s findings should lead to meaningful societal changes, such as governance reforms, improved inter-ethnic relations, and addressing the issues arising from colonization and displacement.
She conveyed a collective hope that the commission would contribute to Fiji’s journey towards unity and equality, providing closure for those affected by past injustices. “We, the youth of Fiji, are filled with hope for what this commission can achieve on a personal level. We seek closure not just for ourselves, but for our parents, our grandparents, and all who have suffered in silence.
“Ultimately, we hope that the commission will help us build a stronger, more united Fiji.”