The NGO Coalition on Human Rights (NGOCHR) has raised significant concerns about Fiji’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), suggesting that its existing structure may prevent justice for victims of historical human rights violations. Shamima Ali, the Chair of NGOCHR, criticized the TRC Act for categorizing all individuals involved, including those responsible for abuses, as “survivors.” This misclassification, according to Ali, diminishes the vital distinction between victims, who have suffered greatly, and perpetrators, who have committed acts of violence, including torture and rape.
Ali stressed that while restorative justice is important, equating victims with their abusers undermines historical truth and accountability, depriving victims of recognition and justice. The hearing involving Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has further highlighted the inadequacies of the TRC’s framework, leading Ali to caution that a focus on healing alone could trivialize the hearings, transforming them into mere procedural formalities instead of genuine efforts toward truth-seeking.
Moreover, Ali pointed out the constitutional protections that shield those accountable for abuses tied to past coups, suggesting that this allows perpetrators to confess without fear of punishment. Such immunity leaves victims without avenues for justice and enables some offenders to hold prominent roles in society, perpetuating a cycle of impunity that is particularly distressing for women, youth, and marginalized communities.
In response to these issues, NGOCHR is calling on the government to engage existing criminal justice mechanisms to investigate and prosecute serious crimes linked to the coups thoroughly. The organization argues that these offenses should not be safeguarded by the TRC process or current immunities. Additionally, NGOCHR demands urgent reforms to amend or abolish any legal provisions that grant blanket immunity to those involved in the coups.
With its present configuration, the TRC risks being exploited for political gain instead of serving its intended purpose as a platform for authentic national healing. Ali emphasized that a genuine approach to reconciliation must prioritize truth, accountability, and justice over ceremonial gestures.
Given these urgent concerns, a collective push for reform and accountability could pave the way for meaningful healing and ensure that the experiences of victims are recognized and addressed appropriately. Such efforts might not only facilitate justice for those wronged but also foster a more inclusive and compassionate society.