The Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection in Fiji, Sashi Kiran, has expressed her concerns over proposals to publicly name those responsible for the country’s previous coups. Kiran believes that focusing on blame might obstruct the healing process and reopen old wounds within the nation.
Responding to calls from various political figures and community groups advocating for accountability, Kiran emphasized the complexities of Fiji’s historical context, where the lines between victims and perpetrators can become blurred. She cautioned that pushing for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to disclose the identities of those involved in the coups could undermine the Commission’s fundamental goal of promoting national healing.
Kiran also took issue with characterizations of the coups as solely ethnic strife, labeling this view as misleading and damaging. She reflected on Fiji’s tumultuous history, referencing significant coup events in 1987 and between 2000 and 2006.
“NGO Coalition on Human Rights has been saying that there’s no clear distinction between the perpetrators and the victims,” Kiran remarked, advocating for a renewed focus on the TRC’s mission, which aims to heal rather than assign blame.
In light of the recent installation of a new chairperson for the TRC, Kiran expressed hope that the healing process would gain momentum. TRC Commissioner Sekove Naqiolevu announced that hearings are set to continue through October, after which a final report will be prepared for submission to the President in January 2027.
Naqiolevu underscored the necessity of building trust and urged individuals to come forward to share their experiences without fear. This initiative is crucial for fostering social cohesion and reconciliation, especially for those who have carried the weight of their experiences for many years.
The emphasis on understanding and healing, rather than division, offers a positive outlook as Fiji strives for a more unified future.