President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has commended the dedication of the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission as Joaquim Da Fonseca was officially sworn in as the new Chairperson at State House this morning. The oath-taking ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Cabinet Ministers, Commission members, and various diplomats.
During the event, Mr. Da Fonseca took both the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath for the Due Execution of Office, marking the start of his leadership in this pivotal role. As a respected diplomat and advocate for peace, he brings over two decades of expertise in areas of reconciliation, transitional justice, and human rights, particularly within post-conflict scenarios.
Mr. Da Fonseca has played a significant role in Timor-Leste’s truth and reconciliation efforts since 1999. His work includes early initiatives during the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor and contributions to the development of national reconciliation frameworks. His distinguished diplomatic career includes roles as Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom and the Netherlands from 2013 to 2019, as well as serving as the Ambassador and Permanent Representative to international organizations in Geneva from 2009 to 2013.
Furthermore, he has served as Senior Advisor for Human Rights and Civil Society in the Office of the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste and recently held the position of Coordinator and Senior Advisor at the National Commission for Reconciliation among Timorese, where he concentrated on resolving internal conflicts from 1974 to 1999.
The Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission operates independently under the Truth and Reconciliation Act, which was passed in December 2024. Its mission focuses on encouraging truth-telling, healing, and national reconciliation pertaining to political crises that have influenced Fiji since 1987. The Coalition Government has committed to providing essential resources to assist the Commission in fulfilling its vital role, reflecting a strong commitment to a reconciliatory path for addressing the nation’s historical issues. This development gives hope for a unified future as Fiji strives to heal from its past.