The Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission (FTRC) has announced a significant advancement in the support of survivors as it establishes a national pool of trained psychosocial professionals who are informed about trauma. This initiative aims to provide essential wellbeing support to individuals participating in the reconciliation process.
This collaboration includes partnerships with organizations such as Birth Fiji, The Soulful Connection, Aruka Fiji, and Inner Harmony, which are committed to offering a safe, confidential, and culturally sensitive environment for survivors and witnesses during their healing journeys. The formalization of this partnership took place at the Commission’s Office in Suva, signifying a clear commitment to a survivor-centered approach to truth-telling, healing, and restoration.
Commissioner Rachna Nath emphasized the importance of empathy and trust in the healing journey, stating, “Our process is built on empathy, dignity, and trust. We understand that sharing deeply personal experiences can be re-traumatizing for some, and this partnership ensures that no one walks that journey alone. Every survivor deserves to be heard and supported with compassion and care.”
The newly established psychosocial referral pool will be activated whenever survivors disclose trauma or other wellbeing needs, ensuring they are safely connected to trusted providers. Some of these professionals may also serve as ongoing advisors or capacity builders within community-based systems, further reinforcing the initiative’s long-term national impact.
In her remarks, Commissioner Nath conveyed hope that this initiative will help develop a sustainable mental health infrastructure across Fiji by establishing a network of trauma-informed professionals, refining referral systems, and strengthening collaboration between community support networks and mental health practitioners.
Founders of partner organizations underscored the significance of this collaboration. Aruka Fiji’s Ratu Inoke Drauna expressed his honor in partnering with FTRC, stating the goal is to provide ongoing mental health support to trauma-affected individuals, ensuring they never struggle alone. BIRTH FIJI CEO Satib Nisha Khan highlighted the partnership’s alignment with their mission to offer vital psychosocial and trauma-informed counseling to survivors sharing their experiences. Joseph Snodgrass, from The Soulful Connection, noted the partnership’s critical relevance, contextualizing the mental health challenges derived from historical traumas affecting families across generations.
The introduction of this program resonates with previous FTRC initiatives focused on trauma-informed care, such as training workshops aimed at enhancing the skills of the Commission’s commissioners and staff to support survivors effectively. Ongoing discussions within FTRC emphasize the promotion of a collaborative framework involving psychological support, community engagement, and effective referral systems aimed at repairing the social fabric of Fiji.
As the Commission continues its efforts to engage with survivors, communities, and various partners, it aims to establish a strong foundation for healing, trust, and national unity through open dialogue and restorative justice. This approach not only fosters a pathway for survivors to share their stories but also encapsulates a broader vision for collective recovery and resilience across the nation.