10th December 2021
Reverend Utufua Naseri
Ministers of Cabinet and Associate Ministers
Members of Parliament
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
CSOs Representatives – Advocates & Champions for Human Rights
Heads of Government Ministries and Constitutional Bodies
Village Representatives
Ladies & Gentlemen
Talofa and welcome to you all!
December 10 is universally celebrated annually across the globe through various activities to commemorate the historic Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted in 1948. A milestone document in history that declares freedoms and rights that we are all entitled to enjoy as human beings; it is also attributed as perhaps humanity’s greatest achievement.
Our nation’s continuous commemoration of this event every year, reaffirms our commitment to equality, peace, justice, freedom, and the protection of human dignity irrespective of religion, race, gender, or status.
It is also a day that we celebrate as a nation, the rights, and freedoms that are also recognized in our Constitution to be enjoyed by every Samoan citizen.
Samoa remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding human rights and stands with the world today to observe the commemoration of the. Human Rights Declaration. In this regard, I have the pleasure to announce the following 3 initiatives we are gathered today to mark Human Rights Day 2021.
I am pleased to officially open the 1st National Biennial Dialogue on human rights and good governance led by the Ombudsman Office, also the National Human Rights Institution of Samoa on the theme “building strong institutions through good governance and human rights”. This national dialogue aims to create a platform for our institutions and citizens to share meaningful outcomes that further strengthen the promotion of good governance and respect for human rights in Samoa.
Today, as you all know ends the annual 16 Days of Activism Campaign to end violence against women and girls. In today’s event I am pleased to launch Faiga Fa’avae or I’ugafono (bylaws) of Lalovi Mulifanua and Vaiee in Upolu and Taga, Asau and Saleia of Savaii. These documents contain bylaws that highlight their commitment to zero tolerance towards family violence within their villages. Such commitment recognizes the pivotal role of our village leaders in family violence prevention and the protection of women and girls at the village level.
Lastly, I am pleased to join our Ombudsman Office/National Human Rights Institution in acknowledging and recognizing some of our Civil Society Organizations/NGOs who have been pioneers and champions of human rights and have over the years contributed effortlessly to the advancement of human rights in Samoa.
The COVID-19 pandemic turned into a multifaceted crisis that presented many challenges and promulgated the criticality of human rights in all COVID 19 responses. Countries are called upon to pay considered attention to human rights obligations and to ensure that human rights principles of non-discrimination, transparency, and respect for human dignity are considered in their response measures.
Countries also looked to human rights to be reminded of the fundamental values for social interaction in society during such difficult times. Citizens were called to embrace human rights values of being kind, having mutual respect, equality, and fairness, all of which resonate in our fa’asamoa and the principles we espouse as Christians.
The same essential elements of human rights were key to resolving our political dilemmas. Respect for democracy, human rights, and good governance, fused with our unique culture and Faith have been the lynchpin of governance in Samoa contributing to the stability of our country and our region.
I take this opportunity to commend and acknowledge every organization, group, and individual in this country that has in one way or another advocated and continues to advocate for the human rights of our marginalized communities and groups. Although Government has the main responsibility to protect human rights, it takes collective effort to make progress in realizing those rights and equality for everyone.
Therefore, today, in particular, I speak for all Civil Societies Organizations and Non-Government Organizations especially, those who have been pioneers in this space over the years, for their advocacy work and effortless lobbying for equality of opportunities, access, fairness of processes, and eradication of barriers and discrimination that systemically deny and violate the rights and dignity of the vulnerable members of our community.
Your efforts have no doubt contributed and continue to pave the way in reducing inequalities and advancing human rights in congruence with the international theme for this year’s Human Rights Day.
Your role as civil society actors remains crucial in progressing human rights. From advancing the rights of vulnerable groups i.e., women, girls, children, persons with disabilities, fa’afafine, or fa’atama to advocating for economic social, cultural, civil, and political rights including the rights to health and education, political participation of women, and freedom from violence; your profound contributions have advanced human rights in Samoa. Malo lava!
In this regard I now would like to call upon the following Civil Society Organizations to receive Certificates of Recognition for your contribution over the years to human rights.
1. Nuanua o le Alofa
2. Samoa Family Health Association
3. Faataua le Ola
4. Samoa National Council of Women
5. Samoa Umbrella of Non-Government Organizations (SUNGO)
6. Samoa Red Cross
7. Samoa Victim Support Group
8. Goshen Trust
9. Samoa Fa’afafine Association
10. Women in Business Development
I urge you all to continue in your path and do your part in upholding and furthering human rights for all of our citizens.
I also acknowledge our international partners here with us today who have contributed to the promotion of human rights across all areas as well as Our religious and village leaders for your immense contributions.
LAUNCH OF I’UGAFONO TO END 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM
Finally, as alluded to earlier, today ends the annual 16 days of Activism Campaign to end violence against women and girls. In 2019, 6 villages (Lalovi Mulifanua, Vaiee, Lotopue, Saleia, Taga, and Asau) participated in the Village Family Safety Committee Pilot Project which was initiated out of Recommendation 20 of the National Inquiry into Family Violence 2018 report; led by the Ombudsman Office.
The recommendation urges the establishment of a credible mechanism for preventing family violence in villages. The outcome is the establishment of Village family safety committees within these 6 villages. One of the key initiatives is to review and put together their village Faiga Fa’avae or I’ugafono to ensure that family violence is incorporated and is in line with current national laws.
I congratulate the Fono mamalu a Alii ma Faipule of these villages for being champions for family violence prevention within their villages. Your commitment to addressing family violence in your bylaws and the inclusion of natural justice recognizes the role of Alii and Faipule not only in the prevention of family violence but also in the protection of human rights.
I extend my best wishes to the Ombudsman and staff for a productive first Dialogue and a successful celebration of Human Rights Day 2021 to you all.
Soifua ma ia manuia
