“Strong support” | Transitional justice expert becomes member of truth and reconciliation commission

An international transitional justice expert is part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) team that will conduct consultations across the country.

This was confirmed by Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission Steering Committee Chairperson Sashi Kiran, who said there was strong support from all sectors of society for the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

“Fiji’s political environment is challenging, with a history of ethnic tensions, political instability and coups that have severely impacted the country’s national narrative and hampered the development of its national potential,” she said.

“The Steering Committee has been consulting various stakeholders to discuss the provisions of the draft legal framework.

“Leaders of civil society, religious groups, political parties and media organizations participated in the consultations and provided suggestions and inputs to the draft framework.”

Ms. Kiran said the TRC also invited submissions from individuals and groups to help shape the draft law.

“By learning from global truth and reconciliation efforts, Fiji hopes to build a stronger, more inclusive society based on respect, tolerance and solidarity – essential ingredients for national progress and development.”

Joining the team is Ruben Carranza, a senior specialist at the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) in New York City.

Ms. Kieran said Mr. Carranza had worked on transitional justice in several post-dictatorship and post-conflict countries in the Global South.

“He has been involved in the design and operation of truth commissions in Liberia, Kenya, Gambia, Tunisia, Nepal, Armenia, the Solomon Islands, and Indonesia. He has also supported policy development and implementation in South Africa, Peru, the Philippines, Morocco, and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

“He is currently supporting the implementation of peace agreements or political solutions that incorporate transitional justice mechanisms in South Sudan, Libya, Yemen, and Colombia.”

Meanwhile, public consultations will be held at the Kshatriya Hall in Naodamu, Labasa, from 9am to 2pm on August 26, at the Vunimono High School Hall in Nausori from 9am to 12pm on August 27, at the Fiji Sugar Cane Growers Hall in Lautoka from 9am to 12pm on August 28 and at the Suva Civic Centre Lower Auditorium from 9am to 2pm on August 29.