The Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission (FTRC) is taking major strides in supporting survivors by launching a national pool of trained psychosocial professionals who specialize in trauma-informed care. This initiative aims to provide crucial wellbeing assistance to individuals involved in the reconciliation process, reinforcing their holistic healing journey.
In collaboration with organizations like Birth Fiji, The Soulful Connection, Aruka Fiji, and Inner Harmony, the FTRC is dedicated to creating a safe, confidential, and culturally aware environment for survivors and witnesses as they navigate their healing paths. The formal partnership was established at a ceremony held at the Commission’s office in Suva, signifying a strong commitment to a survivor-centric model of truth-telling and recovery.
Commissioner Rachna Nath highlighted that the initiative is anchored in empathy and trust, emphasizing, “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 psychosocial referral pool will be activated when survivors disclose trauma or other wellbeing requirements, ensuring they are connected with trusted professionals who can provide the necessary support. Many of these professionals may also act as ongoing advisors or capacity builders within community networks, ensuring the initiative has a lasting national impact.
Commissioner Nath expressed optimism that this initiative will contribute to developing a robust mental health infrastructure in Fiji, aiming to create a network of trauma-informed professionals, refine referral systems, and strengthen collaboration between mental health practitioners and community support systems.
Leaders of the partner organizations also spoke about the importance of this collaboration. Ratu Inoke Drauna from Aruka Fiji conveyed his honor in joining forces with the FTRC, stressing the aim to deliver ongoing mental health support to trauma-affected individuals, ensuring they do not face their struggles in isolation. CEO Satib Nisha Khan from Birth Fiji noted that this partnership aligns perfectly with their mission to provide critical psychosocial and trauma-informed counseling to help survivors share their experiences. Joseph Snodgrass from The Soulful Connection added that the collaboration is crucial, particularly given the lasting mental health impacts of historical traumas on families.
This new program builds on previous FTRC initiatives focused on trauma-informed care, including training workshops that enhance the skills of commissioners and staff to better support survivors. FTRC continues to engage in discussions on establishing a collaborative framework that integrates psychological support, community involvement, and effective referral systems, all aimed at mending the social fabric of Fiji.
As the Commission forges ahead with its mission to connect with survivors, communities, and various stakeholders, it is committed to laying a solid groundwork for healing, trust, and national unity through open dialogues and restorative justice processes. This approach not only paves the way for survivors to recount their stories but also embodies a wider vision for collective recovery and resilience within the nation.