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 1 st 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.