THE chairman of the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission (FTRC), Dr Marcus Brand, has resigned.

He has confirmed to The Fiji Times his decision to step down from the role to return to Europe and be closer to his family.

“I have decided to move back to Europe to be closer to my family. Their advanced age and fragile health requires that I’m with them much more than I can be while residing in Fiji,” he said.

Reflecting on his tenure, he said “the Commission is well on track”.

“I am leaving with a sense of gratitude for having been able to serve on it during its establishment phase. I believe the truth and reconciliation process is an important and necessary national conversation that will have to continue as long as it takes for society to come to terms with the past, and allow for genuine healing at the individual, community and national level.”

Dr Brand expressed hope that his contributions have been meaningful.

“I hope I was able to contribute a little bit to that and I will remain a friend and supporter of Fiji with this endeavour from afar.”

Dr Brand emphasised his confidence in the team continuing the work.

“The Commission is in capable hands, and the journey toward truth and reconciliation must continue.”

The FTRC, established under the 2024 legislation, has been tasked with facilitating national dialogue, documenting human rights violations, and supporting reconciliation efforts following decades of political upheaval.

Dr Brand was appointed by the President and it is not clear if a replacement will be sought.