The Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) will have five commissioners who will be appointed by the President, with three of the commissioners required to be citizens of Fiji, states the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission Bill that was tabled in Parliament last Friday.
The Bill states the chairperson will be appointed by the President from among the commissioners.
“A commissioner must be a person of integrity and credibility who is impartial in the performance of the commission’s functions and who receives the confidence of the people of Fiji,” states the Bill.
“A commissioner must be a person with high standing and competence in the social sciences, medical profession, legal profession, religious vocation, transitional justice, peacebuilding or other professions or disciplines which may be relevant to the functions of the commission.”
The Bill states the chairperson must preside over the meetings of the commission.
“The chairperson must guide its deliberations and ensure that the objectives of the commission are effectively pursued, including facilitating truth-telling, promoting reconciliation, and ensuring that all voices are heard and respected.”