Reconciliation Without Justice Is an Empty Promise - Chaudhry

The recent announcement of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) has critics skeptical about its ability to deliver meaningful outcomes for the people of Fiji.

While the process is meant to foster healing, it risks becoming little more than a symbolic gesture without a firm commitment to justice.

Mahendra Chaudhry has expressed deep reservations about the Commission’s potential impact, stating, “There cannot be true reconciliation without justice.”

His words echo the sentiments of many Fijians who believe that the victims of the coups and their families deserve more than hollow promises—they deserve the truth and accountability.

The composition of the Commission itself adds to these concerns.

The European Union is funding the Chair’s position, while Australia and New Zealand are covering the bulk of the remaining costs.

This raises the question of influence.

“It’s a real shame that we are always begging our richer neighbours and other development partners to pay for matters that should be our responsibility,” Chaudhry noted, emphasizing the importance of national ownership in addressing such critical issues.

Furthermore, the opening remarks of the Commission Chair have done little to inspire confidence.

Chaudhry observed, “The process is more likely to be an academic exercise and not a search for the truth behind the events leading to the coups and the mayhem that followed.”

Without a genuine commitment to uncovering the full truth, the Commission risks failing those who have suffered the most.

The people of Fiji, especially those directly affected by the coups, are entitled to the truth.

They are entitled to justice. “It matters not the time that has since elapsed,” Chaudhry stressed. Justice delayed should not be justice denied.

The five members of the TRC were sworn in last Thursday by President Naiqama Lalabalavu.

The Commission is chaired by an Austrian human rights expert with international exposure.

The four local members are former Chief Magistrate Sekove Naqiolevu, gender consultant Ana Laqeretabua, former journalist Rachna Nath, and retired Fiji Airways pilot Rajendra Dass.

The Commission is required to begin its work within 14 days of its appointment.

However, without a clear focus on justice, the TRC risks becoming yet another missed opportunity to address Fiji’s painful past and pave the way for genuine reconciliation.