Climate change is a unique human rights challenge faced by Samoa and the Pacific, said UNDP Resident Representative Aliona Niculita, calling on Samoa to recognise its human rights pledge.

She made the comments at the United Nations Human Rights Day celebration on Wednesday.

“It is not just an environmental challenge, but a human rights one. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and the loss of biodiversity threaten our right to a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment,” she said.

“We must ensure that people have access to information about climate change and environmental harms and how they impact their lives so that they can participate in decision-making processes and take action at all levels.

“Indeed, education, awareness and critical thinking are essential for an informed, resilient and inclusive society. The United Nations looks forward to supporting the Government of Samoa to realize its “human rights pledge” to introduce climate change education in schools.:

Ms Niculita called for strong democratic institutions that uphold the rule of law and were crucial to guarantee human rights, including the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

She said this includes an independent judiciary to ensure that laws are applied fairly to all and that the rights of vulnerable and marginalized are protected; a legislature which ensures that laws are complaint with the government’s international human rights obligations and sufficient resources are allocated for the promotion and protection of human rights; and an executive which ensures that government agencies and officials comply with human rights standards.

“These issues were discussed in depth in October at the Commonwealth Human Rights Forum organised by the Samoa Office of the Ombudsman,” Ms Niculita said.

“In her opening remarks, the Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiame Naomi Mafa’afa called human rights an essence of democracy, stressed the importance of establishing and strengthening independent accountability mechanisms such as the National Human Rights Institutions, and highlighted the need to further entrench human rights within the cultural tapestry of the Pacific and the Commonwealth, drawing on the shared values of love, respect, dignity and equality.”

This year’s Human Rights Day commemoration recognized human rights champions in Samoa whose work has contributed to climate justice and strengthening the rule of law and democracy. These awards were a testament to their dedication and commitment to human rights, and their efforts remind us of the positive impact that individuals can make to create a more just and equitable society.

“Indeed, to build truly resilient societies, we must ensure that the rights of persons who are most at risk of being marginalized or left behind, including women, children, persons with disability, persons with diverse gender identities, are protected,” said Ms Niculita.

“Their voices must be heard, and we must create conditions to provide equal opportunities for everyone. I would like to reiterate the commitment by the United Nations to work with the Office of the Ombudsman, the Government of Samoa, civil society and all stakeholders to ensure that human rights remain at the heart of our efforts towards sustainable development.”