Samoa joined the global community on Friday to mark Human Rights Day with activities revolving around the themes of equality, reducing inequalities and advancing human rights.

A ceremony on Friday led by the Ombudsman Office/National Human Rights Institution was held at Tanoa Hotel to mark the occasion. 

It was attended by the Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, members of the diplomatic corps and representatives from various non-government organisations

Part of the program included the launch of village bylaws for some of the villages including Vaie'e, Mulifanua and Taga Savai'i. These documents contain bylaws with the aim of zero tolerance towards family violence within the villages.  

Fiame said December 10 is globally celebrated annually through various activities to mark the historical Universal Declaration of Human Rights which was adopted in 1948.

“A milestone document of history that declares freedom is the rights that we are all entitled to enjoy as human beings,” she said.

“It is also attributed as perhaps humanity’s greatest achievement. Our nation’s continuous commemorations of this event every year reaffirms our commitment to equality, peace and the protection of human dignity irrespective of religion, race, gender or status.

“Samoa remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguard human rights.”

Fiame then awarded certificates of recognition to members of civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations who were pioneers and champions of human rights and have over the years contributed to the advancement of human rights in Samoa. 

These organisations included Nuanua o le Alofa (N.O.L.A.); Samoa Family Health Association, Fa'ataua Le Ola (F.L.O); National Council of Women; Samoa Umbrella for Non-Governmental Organisations (S.U.N.G.O.); Samoa Red Cross; Samoa Victim Support Group (S.V.S.G.); Goshen Trust; Samoa Fa'afafine Association (S.F.A.); and Women in Business Development.

A two-day dialogue chaired by the Ombudsman Office/National Human Rights Institution which started on Thursday also concluded on Friday.

The dialogue focused on good governance and human rights with emphasis on strengthening public complaints resolutions, mainstreaming of human rights in decision making processes and services as well as strengthening partnerships to further promote good governance values and principles and human rights protection.

Some of the sessions were aimed at exploring areas that institutions could improve on, in terms of handling complaints and how collectively they can be addressed. Also exploring strategies to enable a more transparent and proactive relationship between the Office and Ministries to ensure that public complaints that come through the Ombudsman Office are dealt with in a timely manner and with efficiency.

Some of the attendees during the dialogue shared best practice and experience cases from the Public Service Commission and Ministry of Public Enterprises, who are both oversight bodies for public enterprises and Government agencies. The dialogue also heard from the Ministry of Police's Professional Standard Unit on their experience with handling complaints.