Survivors’ voices first, says Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission

The Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission (FTRC) will prioritise hearing from survivors before conducting high-level hearings with political leaders, says Commissioner Ana Laqeretabua.

Ms Laqeretabua said the commission wanted to amplify the voices of ordinary Fijians who had not been heard for 38 years before engaging with coup leaders.

“What’s really important for us is the voices of the people, because the voices of the people have not been heard in a lot of this,” Ms Laqeretabua said after today’s hearing at the Suva Civic Centre.

“We are trying to ensure that the Sister Teresia, the many other people that we’re speaking to, that their voices will be amplified before we do anything else, before we go into the high-level hearings.”

The commission has not yet received confirmation from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka about when he will appear before them.

Mr Rabuka led the 1987 coups and has previously indicated willingness to participate in the reconciliation process.

Ms Laqeretabua said conversations were ongoing, but the commission remained focused on fulfilling its mandate to hear from survivors first.

“We have to be mindful that we’re fulfilling our mandate by giving people the voices of the people of Fiji to be heard,” she said.

The commission has been gathering voices from communities across Fiji, with teams visiting Sigatoka, Tailevu, and other areas last week.

Ms Laqeretabua said the momentum was building as more people came forward to share their stories.

“It’s beautiful to hear that people are coming to terms with the things that they've been through,” she said.

The commission is working with partner organisations including UNDP Peacebuilding, Empower Pacific, and the Pacific Centre for Peacebuilding to reach communities.

They plan to visit the Northern Division and continue outreach to diaspora communities in Auckland and Australia.

The commission must submit its final report to President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu in February 2027.

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