Government pledges to protect rights

By Talaia Mika • 24 October 2023, 10:10PM

Samoa government has pledged while marking the 2023 United Nations Day to strengthen the rule of law and policies to protect citizens' rights and vulnerable individuals.

Government leaders and the UN's country team marked the United Nations' 78th anniversary as well as the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at the United Nations Office at Tuanaimato on Tuesday.

Prime Minister, Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa delivered the keynote address and made the pledge to boost and protect citizens' rights.

"We are proud to have an independent judiciary that upholds the rule of law and to be the only country in the Pacific to have an A-status National Human Rights Institution," she said.

"As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights this year, the government of Samoa pledges to strengthen laws, policies and institutions to ensure that all individuals can enjoy their economic, social, cultural, civil, and political rights without discrimination."

Fiamē reminded the guests of Samoa's steadfast support for the UN, amid unprecedented times as well as its role as the current chair of AOSIS [Alliance of Small Island States]. These positions place Samoa at the forefront to continue to drive the UN system forward while calling on it to address the climate crisis and protect the most vulnerable in the communities.

"At the national level, my government will continue to safeguard the rights of all its citizens and especially those who are most at risk of being left behind, including by strengthening social protection measures and prioritizing assistance for those in need," said the Prime Minister. "We have focused on people-centred development as pivotal to the implementation of our agenda over the next five years.

"As I have stated following our third Universal Periodic Review in 2021, our Christian values, culture and traditions complement our human rights obligations and fundamental freedoms which we have committed to respect, protect and fulfil."

UN Resident Coordinator for Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau, Themba Kalua recalled that throughout the years since the establishment of the global body, more than one billion people have been lifted out of extreme poverty; more girls are attending schools than ever before; maternal and infant deaths have been reduced by more than half; and there is growing action and grassroots movement to tackle the climate crisis, especially among the youth.

The UN through its cooperation framework with the governments, remains committed to supporting the member states with a contextualised implementation of the SDGs and to ensuring strong alignment with national development priorities, and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific continent.

"In this regard, we are committed to supporting the governments of Samoa, Cook Islands, Tokelau, and Niue in addressing big issues such as climate change, non-communicable diseases, gender inequality and gender-based violence, and in ensuring sustainable and inclusive economic growth, among other priorities," he said.

"We will do this under governments’ leadership and in partnership with development partners, CROP agencies, civil society, businesses, academia and other stakeholders.

"If we can learn anything from past and current crises, it is that the risk of conflict and social tension increases where people are denied their fundamental human rights.

"As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights this year, let us all recommit to the principles of equality, freedom, and justice, which are essential ingredients for a thriving society where everyone has equal access to opportunities.

"Let us not forget that the United Nations is not a distant entity; It’s about “we the people” as mentioned in the preamble of the UN charter. It’s about you and me.

"It is the collective strength and determination of individuals and nations coming together to overcome challenges that no single entity can address alone. It's about communities, governments, and organizations working hand in hand to make our world a better place.

"So, as we celebrate United Nations Day today, let us rekindle the understanding that we are the United Nations, and our collective actions are what will drive progress and change in Samoa, in the Pacific and in our world. The United Nations is not an abstract idea; it's a living, breathing embodiment of our shared values and aspirations."

Reigning Miss Samoa, Moemoana Safaatoa Schwenke – who is also a youth advocate for climate change – also expressed similar sentiments on the importance of cultural and environmental conservation for the future of Samoa.

As part of the UN Day, an exhibition was held at the One UN Fale at Tuanaimato on Tuesday morning where the UN family and the invited guests participated.

This was followed by entertainment by the Tamaitai Anofale dance group who performed not just Samoan cultural performances but also items from Tokelau and other Pacific island countries.