An international transitional justice expert is part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) team that will conduct consultations around the country.
Fiji TRC steering committee chairperson Sashi Kiran has confirmed this and said there was strong support for the establishment of the TRC from all sections of the community.
“Fiji has emerged from a challenging political environment, shaped by a history of ethnic tensions, political instability, and coups, that have significantly influenced its national narrative and hampered its national potential,” she said.
“The steering committee has been consulting various stakeholders to discuss provisions of the draft legal framework.
“Leaders from civil society, faith groups, political parties and media organisations attended the consultations and provided suggestions and inputs in the draft framework.”
Ms Kiran said the TRC committee also invited submissions from individuals and groups to help shape the legal draft.
“By learning from global Truth and Reconciliation efforts, Fiji aspires to build a stronger, more inclusive society based on respect, tolerance and togetherness—essential ingredients for the progress and development of the nation.”
Joining the team is Ruben Carranza, a senior expert at the New York City-based International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ).
Ms Kiran said Mr Carranza had done transitional justice work in various post-dictatorship and post-conflict countries in the global South.
“He has worked on the design and operation of truth commissions in Liberia, Kenya, Gambia, Tunisia, Nepal, Armenia, the Solomon Islands, and Indonesia. He has supported policymaking and implementation in South Africa, Peru, the Philippines, Morocco, and in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
“He is currently supporting the implementation of peace agreements or political settlements that incorporate transitional justice mechanisms in South Sudan, Libya, Yemen, and Colombia.”
Meanwhile, the public consultations will be held at Kshatriya Hall, Naodamu, Labasa, on August 26 from 9am to 2pm, Vunimono High School Hall in Nausori on August 27 (9am to 12pm), Fiji Sugar Cane Growers Hall in Lautoka on August 28 (9am to 12pm) and at the Suva Civic Centre lower auditorium on August 29 from 9am to 2pm.
