Who are they – PM asks

Who are they?

That is the comment of Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka after the NGO Coalition on Human Rights said that they are alarmed that the much-anticipated Truth and Reconciliation Commission may already be compromising its integrity and independence; the very principles upon which a successful commission is founded.

The NGO Coalition refers to the appointment process of the TR Commissioners, which they say raises serious questions about the Government's commitment to transparency and processes.

The NGOs say the manner of the process of appointing TR Commissioners seems to underscore the Government’s total lack of consideration for transparency and process as they continue to appoint whoever they please onto or into important roles and positions.

They say they see that there is no transparency in the appointment process.

The NGO Coalition says the legislation states the President appoints the Commissioners and the Chairperson but the process of selection and appointment is missing.

They say this sets a bad precedent already where there is no or limited accountability and transparency of what should be a people's process.

The NGO Coalition says they are appalled that despite the calibre of Fiji nationals in-country and overseas, the Government has chosen to endorse/appoint the European Union’s nomination, an expatriate with little to no lived experience in Fiji to not only be part of the Commission but lead as its Chair.

They say this practice itself is neo-colonial and compromises the integrity of the process.

The NGO Coalition reminds the Government that during the consultations, a key finding was the need for TRC ownership by local people and away from the Government.

When questioned by fijivillage News, Prime Minister Rabuka said from the US that the TRC Commissioners are not affiliated to any thought grouping like the NGO Coalition which is a coalition grouping.