The TRC bill will be debated this Wednesday

Parliament will debate the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission Bill 2024 on Wednesday.

Parliament agreed in September last year to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to heal past wounds inflicted by political upheaval and coup-related events in Fiji.

A steering committee has been appointed to carry out a wide-ranging consultation exercise and the bill will now be debated on Wednesday.

While moving his motion to debate the bill, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says he hopes many Fijians and their families who have suffered serious human rights violations will find healing and a way out.

“I am simply drawing attention to the essence of this motion, which is that this bill be dealt with in accordance with Standing Order 51. And I took a big risk in proposing this motion today, Mr. President, because I know that we have a minority on the government side. during the vote. »

However, opposition MPs have expressed concern that the bill is yet to be passed and debated quickly.

Jone Usamate argues that more consultations must be held with ordinary citizens and that the bill must be subject to thorough parliamentary scrutiny.

“We should allow the representatives of the voters, the voters of this country, the representatives of certain commissions, to have the opportunity to examine the bill itself, to examine the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. I believe, ultimately, in my heart, in my mind, that it is absolutely necessary for this bill to go to committee.

Usamate explains that both aspects of this bill must be given equal importance

“What we tend to do when we talk about truth and reconciliation, we focus a lot on reconciliation without the truth. True reconciliation happens when the truth comes out.

Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj also expressed concerns saying the bill should not be fast-tracked.

“We must not circumvent the system. It was tabled in Parliament for the first reading. And it was supposed to be the second reading and the bill was supposed to go to committee. Today we are changing procedures using the Rules to turn a normal process into a 51. If this is about truth and reconciliation, what do we really need to hide? It’s not about you and me. This is the general public. »

However, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Prof Biman Prasad said the bill was tabled in Parliament two weeks ago and opposition MPs had time to consider it .

“I think we should be really grateful that the honorable Prime Minister, under his leadership, has taken the decision to start this truth and reconciliation process in this country. And the mandate of this Parliament is still two years. It’s urgent. It’s appropriate. There have been enough consultations. There has been enough discussion.

Once the bill is adopted, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will be created.

The Commission will consist of five commissioners appointed by the President, three of whom are expected to be Fijian citizens. The chairman will also be appointed by the President from among the commissioners.