Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica emphasized the significance of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) as a beacon of hope, aimed at fostering truth and reconciliation to build a more equitable, peaceful, and prosperous future.
During his address at the TRC Workshop, Kamikamica highlighted the Coalition Government’s longstanding support for the establishment of the commission, intended to reflect on the troubling events of 1987, 2000, and 2006, with the goal of preventing such occurrences in the future.
He clarified that the initiative is not about placing blame or creating further division. Instead, it focuses on recognizing past wrongs and creating a platform for victims to be heard and validated.
Kamikamica stressed the importance of learning from history to avoid repeating past mistakes, asserting that this approach is crucial for establishing stability and fostering genuine democracy.
“The TRC can effectively address the impacts of conflict, injustice, and human rights violations by offering a structured process for truth-telling, healing, and reconciliation,” he stated.
Through various methods like public hearings and investigations, the TRC aims to shed light on the darker parts of the nation’s history, amplifying the voices of those who suffered.
Acknowledging that the TRC’s undertaking is challenging and often faces pushback from those wary of the truth, Kamikamica called for collective support and cooperation from all segments of society, including the government and civil organizations.
He also pointed out that the success of the TRC is not assured, hinging on the dedication of all involved parties to participate with sincerity and an openness to change.
The process requires the commission to operate independently and without political influence, along with a strong commitment to justice, human rights, and progress.
“Let us collaborate to make certain that our efforts are both significant and a vital step towards justice, healing, and peace. This endeavor is not merely about confronting the past; it seeks to influence our future,” Kamikamica concluded.