Samoan-born Aniva Clarke, one of 12 global youth advisors on the inaugural Children’s Advisory Team, has appealed to youth to fill in an online questionnaire on climate change.

The online questionnaire has been posted online by the United Nations Children's Rights Committee to enable children and young adults around the world to give their thoughts on the subject of the General Comments No. 26 which has a special focus on climate change.

Ms Clarke told the Samoa Observer that the questionnaire is very important and more young people should complete the form.

"I think it is awesome that the questionnaire is online and available for young people across the world to complete,” she said. “It is extremely important that as many young people as possible complete this questionnaire as each voice matters and has something important to say.

"Every person’s contribution to the questionnaire is a crucial element to the General Comment No. 26 as it outlines the rights that young people have to a healthy environment. 

“It is crucial that youth from across the Pacific region participate in the questionnaire as we are one of the most impacted and vulnerable communities experiencing the effects of climate change.”

Senior Supreme Court Justice Vui Clarence Nelson, who is a board member of the U.N Committee on the Rights of the Child, acknowledged the pivotal role of the General Comments No. 26 as well as the role of the States towards the recommendations it will provide in the end. 

"Samoa signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child so it will also need to adhere to the recommendations once the General Comment No. 26 is launched in 2023," Justice Vui said.

In an email to the Samoa Observer – which was copied to Samoa’s Minister for Women Youth and Community Development, Leota Laki Lamositele – the Senior Judge emphasised the importance of the General Comment No. 26 to Samoans and Pacific islanders as climate change impacted communities. 

Minister Leota, in response to the email from Justice Vui, affirmed his support while thanking the Senior Judge for raising the issue. 

He also congratulated Justice Vui for being a strong advocate for the development and protection of women and children in Samoa. 

Copying the newly appointed C.E.O for the Minister of Women Community and Social Development, Minister Leota said he was copying Dr. Mema Motusaga for her information and to connect with the Senior Judge so there can be collaboration between the Ministry and the Senior Judge pertaining to his work.

"I am copying the newly appointed C.E.O. of the Ministry of Women Dr. Mema Motusaga for her information and to connect with your good self on how we can work together on this aspect as it is also an important part of our Government’s platform," Minister Leota wrote in his email. 

Justice Vui recently advised the Samoa Observer that he had a meeting with the C.E.O of the Ministry following the email exchange and she has been updated on the processes and programs for General Comment No. 26.  

He said it is now for the C.E.O. to advance the issues discussed regarding the General Comment No. 26 and the need for more Samoan youth to embrace the opportunity.

According to the C.R.C. a General Comment on child rights, the environment and climate change can have a significant impact for children worldwide. By highlighting the connection between children’s rights and the environmental crisis and States responsibilities to uphold children’s rights, it can be used to inform States and local authorities activities related to children’s rights and the environment, including policies and programs.

The C.R.C also points out that in the end the strength of the General Comment depends on the willingness of States to use it and of all other actors (NGOs, children and youth etc.) to advocate for it and draw attention to its relevance. 

For example, environmental and child rights defenders can use it to call on States to take certain steps or control their actions and hold them accountable.

A series of in-depth consultations and workshops, taking place from December 2021–2023, will be held to ensure everyone can contribute and all perspectives are considered in the drafting of the General Comment. 

They will include a diversity of stakeholders, especially children, young people and communities most impacted by the environmental crisis. The first set of consultations will inform the creation of the General Comment first draft, while the second will request feedback on the first draft. The final version of the General Comment will be launched in 2023.