There was poor public turnout at a public consultation on the draft legal framework to establish the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) held in Nausori yesterday.
Only a handful of people were present, and one of the attendees, Bijen Singh, also expressed his disappointment at the lack of representation.
However, one of the representatives, Waisea Tuisese, expressed his gratitude to the team for their presentation and outlined that the TRC was sorely needed in Fiji.
He said there were a lot of issues in the community that needed to be addressed as these had risen because of a lack of trust.
“I’m looking forward to this commission coming up,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Singh said Fiji had gone through a lot in the past, and this was the first time the Government had come up with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
“I think that is trying to uncover the truth about the past that is very important,” he said.
“Through public hearing, we will be able to acknowledge the sufferings of the victims, and at the same time, it will contribute to the national healing. I think the TRC, once it is set up, they will also be recommending for reforms.”
He said any changes that came about after the TRC was established would only serve to change the nation for the better.
