Reconciliation Commission to Have Neutral Chair

The Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission (FTRC) will appoint a neutral overseas expert as chairperson, with committee members selected based on their apolitical stance.

Sashi Kiran, chairperson of the FTRC steering committee, explained this approach when asked about ensuring neutrality in judging cases of public interest.

The steering committee is currently conducting public consultations across the country to gather opinions that may be included in the draft bill for parliamentary endorsement.

“This neutral appointment is part of the draft bill, which proposes an independent chair from overseas,” Ms Kiran said.

She said the commission would operate independently, with all decisions made by the committee without outside interference.

During a public consultation in Labasa on Monday, some participants expressed concerns that a local appointment could lead to potential bias in handling certain cases.

To address these concerns, some participants suggested appointing someone of the calibre of Transitional Justice expert Ruben Carranza as the chairperson.

Fiji Labour Party politician Surendra Lal and other attendees also emphasised the need for the commission to include highly competent members.

Ms Kiran acknowledged these requests and clarified that, in addition to the chairperson, the four local committee members (commissioners) must have no political affiliations.

“This will be implemented so that people trust the process of fairness and transparency,” she said.

The appointment of the commission’s office bearers will be endorsed by the President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.

According to the draft proposal, the commission will operate for 18 months, after which President Ratu Wiliame will decide on any extensions.

Special staff, including translators, counsellors, and support personnel, will also be appointed.

Ms Kiran said these staff members would visit various centres across the country to conduct reconciliation efforts and gather cases and opinions.

The commission will address issues of abuse and violence related to past events that have traumatised certain segments of the population.

This includes addressing the impacts of the 1987 and 2000 coups, during which the Indo-Fijian community suffered significant property damage, violence, and abuse.

Senior expert Ruben Carranza from the New York City-based International Centre for Transitional Justice stated that the commission aims to resolve these matters and work towards preventing similar events in the future.

Feedback: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj