The Alliance for Future Generations has expressed strong support for the establishment of Fiji’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

Litiana Lagibalavu, a representative of the Alliance, emphasised that the TRC presents a crucial opportunity to address historical injustices and work towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

“As young people, we are acutely aware of the impact that history has on our present,” Ms Lagibalavu said.

“Inter-generational trauma is a reality we cannot ignore.

“It affects how we interact with each other, how we perceive our place in society, and how we respond to challenges.”

Drawing on insights from trauma expert Dr Gabor Maté, Ms Lagibalavu said trauma was not merely a result of events but also what happens internally because of those events.

She stressed that this unresolved trauma from colonisation, displacement, and cultural erosion continues to shape the lives and worldviews of young Fijians.

Ms Lagibalavu viewed the TRC as an essential step in confronting and understanding this pain, aiming to facilitate healing for current and future generations.

“The Truth and Reconciliation Commission gives us a chance to confront this pain, to understand it, and to begin the process of healing, not just for ourselves, but for the future generations.

“As the youth of Fiji, we have our perspectives regarding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the question of whether the Commission can truly be independent and impartial.”

Chair of the TRC and Assistant Minister for Women, Sashi Kiran confirmed that once endorsed by Cabinet and established, the TRC will be fully independent and impartial from the Government of the day.