33/6 Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review - Samoa
Document Type: Final Report
Date: 2016 Jun
Session: 33rd Regular Session (2016 Sep)
Agenda Item: Item6: Universal Periodic Review
GE.16-10832 (E) 110716
Human Rights Council Thirty-third session
Agenda item 6
Universal periodic review
Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review*
Samoa
* The annex is being circulated in the language of submission only.
United Nations A/HRC/33/6
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Contents
Page
Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 3
I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process ...................................................................... 3
A. Presentation by the State under review ................................................................................. 3
B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review .............................................. 8
II. Conclusions and/or recommendations ........................................................................................... 13
Annex
Composition of the delegation ...................................................................................................... 22
GE.16-10832 3
Introduction
1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance
with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its twenty-fifth session from 2 to 13 May
2016. The review of Samoa was held at the third meeting, on 3 May 2016. The delegation
of Samoa was headed by Lautafi Selafi Purcell, Minister of Commerce, Industry and
Labour. At its 11th meeting, held on 9 May 2016, the Working Group adopted the report on
Samoa.
2. On 12 January 2016, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of
rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Samoa: Congo, Ecuador and India.
3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution
5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents
were issued for the review of Samoa:
(a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with
paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/25/WSM/1);
(b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High
Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b)
(A/HRC/WG.6/25/WSM/2);
(c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c)
(A/HRC/WG.6/25/WSM/3).
4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Mexico, Slovenia, Spain and the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Samoa through the
troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the universal periodic review.
I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process
A. Presentation by the State under review
5. The head of the delegation, Lautafi Selafi Purcell, Minister of Commerce, Industry
and Labour, stated that Samoa viewed the universal periodic review as an important
opportunity not only to reflect on its human rights record but also to provide responses to
recommendations received at the May 2011 universal periodic review and to provide
answers to the advance written questions received from member States, namely Mexico,
Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom.
6. Samoa noted the recommendation made with regard to the establishment of the
national human rights institution, which had been established in 2013 under the
Ombudsman Act. Since then, the institution had been proactive and committed to national
and international engagement by producing the first human rights State party report of
Samoa in 2015, as well as undertaking human rights training, outreach and awareness
campaigns throughout the country, using all forms of media. The national human rights
institution had been conscientiously working towards its accreditation in compliance with
the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection
of human rights (the Paris Principles) by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights
Institutions. Once deemed compliant, Samoa would become the first accredited national
human rights institution in the Pacific Region.
7. Recommendations made with respect to women’s rights, the fight against domestic
violence and violence against women and children had all been supported. Samoa had
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achieved a critical milestone in the legislative landscape with the passing of the Family
Safety Act 2013, which provided greater protection for families and the handling of
domestic violence and related matters through the use of protection orders. Additionally,
the Family Court of Samoa had been established in 2014 in an effort to protect the
vulnerable, mainly women, children and youth offenders. Linked to those developments
was the establishment of the Drugs and Alcohol Court in 2015, which received support
from gender programmes to fund officers of the court. Both the Family Court and the Drugs
and Alcohol Court were presided over by female Supreme Court judges. The initial setting
up of the courts had been supported through secondment of New-Zealand-based female
judges to Samoa, one of whom was Samoan.
8. Another notable piece of legislation enacted was the Crimes Act 2013, which had
introduced several significant changes to provisions relating to sexual offences, such as an
increase in maximum penalties; a more inclusive definition of offences, including a variety
of forms of unwanted sexual contact; and the criminalization of marital rape.
9. Non-legislative measures for the prevention of violence against women and children
were catered for under the gender programme funded by the Government of Australia and
the United Nations country team, with complementary support provided by a regional
programme on gender funded by the Government of Australia. Non-governmental
organizations were contracted to deliver public awareness and community conversations
through traditional drama, cultural songs and dance.
10. The delegation stated that, in response to the recommendation on the improvement
of the situation of women in Samoan society and political life, Samoa had ensured greater
participation of women in political and public life by unanimously passing a constitutional
amendment in June 2013 that introduced a 10 per cent quota for women representatives in
the national Legislative Assembly. That quota was a minimum, and it did not prohibit more
women from entering into political roles in future general elections. Elections in March
2016 had resulted in a woman holding the position of deputy prime minister and deputy
leader of the ruling party, namely the Human Rights Protection Party, as well as a record
number of women running as candidates and the largest number of women ever being
elected to Parliament (five).
11. Samoa recognized that the presence of more women in Parliament could influence
and bring greater sensitization to a more balanced discussion of gender issues, as well as
encourage a way forward to harmonize traditional and customary practices with the law
regarding women in politics and the empowerment of women in general.
12. The pre-elections programme to enhance the political awareness of the public of the
potential role that women could play had served its purpose well. Never before had there
been such a popular issue clearly highlighted or one that had caused such interest in the
outcome of the elections. Representatives of academia, in collaboration with the Ministry of
Women, Community and Social Development and non-governmental organizations, were
initiating discussions with the small number of villages that still did not recognize female
title-holders.
13. Samoa had also enacted the Labour and Employment Relations Act 2013, which had
introduced significant changes into the employment laws of Samoa, for both employers and
employees, such as new maternity and paternity leave entitlements, an increase from two
months to three months of paid leave and the introduction of new fundamental employment
rights, including a ban on forced labour and equal pay for equal work. The Government
would soon be launching the Samoa national employment policy, which provided a
framework for employment under three pillars: labour supply, labour demand and policy
framework. That would ensure equal opportunity employment for all, including women and
youth. The youth employment programme supported by the United Nations country team,
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as well as other development partners, focused on establishing an incubator with
appropriate technical assistance and support to encourage micro- and small-scale
enterprises by youth and women. Government support was also provided to the Women in
Business organization, which gave women and their usually low-income families the
chance to earn money through small agribusinesses under the farm-to-table initiative. The
programme complemented national initiatives to promote import substitution, as well as the
use of value chains to encourage more efficient production and consumption and enhance
the economic empowerment of women.
14. The delegation indicated that such good practices by the Women in Business
organization had also attracted financial support under the Enhanced Integrated Framework
of the World Trade Organization to build a storage and processing warehouse to add value
to products for niche export markets.
15. Similarly, the Small Business Enterprise Centre provided equal access for women
and men under the small business loan guarantee scheme, providing securities for business
loans from commercial banks. The Government continued to back financial deposits with
the banks to cover the scheme. More than 2,000 small businesses with just over 50 per cent
ownership by women had access to finance for their businesses under the scheme.
16. A privately run successful microcredit scheme continued to build on its female
clientele to the extent that commercial banks had opened their doors for such
businesswomen by providing them with larger loans.
17. In addition, the Samoa Development Bank administered a microfinance scheme
targeting women’s community groups on economic development activities. There were no
restrictions on women accessing finance in Samoa from any bank or financial institution.
18. The Government had passed the Personal Property Securities Act 2013, which
facilitated access to finance and transactions for businesses. The law also recognized the
right of both men and women to own property and use such personal assets for business
transactions.
19. The education of the children of Samoa was key to the development of the nation as
a whole; that had been emphasized in the Education Act 2009, which focused on the
importance of compulsory education for the 5- to 14-year-old cohort. Samoa supported the
recommendation made regarding access to education to ensure that there was universal
primary school education under the school fees scheme, initially supported by the
Governments of Australia and New Zealand, but now fully funded by the Government of
Samoa. Similarly, a school fee-paying scheme was provided at the secondary level, but
only for years 9-11 to encourage higher retention rates from the primary to the secondary
level. Greater attention was being paid to the emerging discrepancies whereby there were
more girls than boys enrolling at all levels of education and males were performing less
well than females.
20. The school fee paying schemes had contributed significantly to achieving
Millennium Development Goal 2 on universal primary education. The enforcement of the
Compulsory Education Act, along with anecdotal evidence, suggested that street vendors
emerged only after school hours. Enforcement of the Child Labour Act was the issue to be
tackled.
21. Samoa was fully dedicated to an inclusive education system which supported the
integration of children with special needs into mainstream schools. The Inclusive Education
Programme was carried out in partnership with the Government of Australia, and involved
public, private and mission schools. The Government had identified private institutions that
could provide service delivery for children with disabilities, such as SENESE Inclusive
Education Support Services, Loto Taumafai and Aoga Fiamalamalama.
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22. Significant reforms had also been made to tackle corporal punishment in schools;
the Education Act 2007 prohibited corporal punishment in schools. The Childcare
Protection Bill, which incorporated the Convention on the Rights of the Child in domestic
law, would encompass the protection of children from violence and set out standards for
approved carers. Samoa continued to conduct awareness-raising campaigns to ensure that
alternative forms of discipline were administered in a manner consistent with the child’s
human dignity and in conformity with the Convention, in particular article 28 (2). Some of
the development partners of Samoa had also institutionalized child protection policies in the
sectors in which they were engaged and that they had funded under their development
cooperation programmes.
23. The delegation stated that Samoa to date had sought and received support for
capacity-building from the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, projects funded by
development partners, the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme
and the United Nations Children’s Fund. Samoa would continue to seek assistance from
United Nations agencies towards the implementation and fulfilment of its human rights
obligations. In the designing and planning of national programmes that were co-funded by
the development partners of Samoa, a rights-based approach was used so that there was
meaningful engagement with all stakeholders and the appropriate safeguards measures were
in place.
24. On disability, the Government had taken the necessary steps to ensure that
legislative compliance reviews were undertaken and cost implementation assessments were
in place for Samoa to harmonize its human rights legislation with international standards.
The disability task force established by cabinet directive worked closely with Nuanua o le
Alofa, the focal point of contact for people with disabilities, in partnership with other non-
governmental organizations promoting inclusive participation for people with disabilities at
all levels.
25. The Australia-Samoa partnership invested in two major programmes for people with
disabilities, the Disability Programme and the Inclusive Education Programme. The
Disability Programme was designed to assist the Government of Samoa in moving towards
ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, now planned to be
done by December 2016.
26. On legislative review and policy measures, the Government was committed to
ensuring that the treaties already ratified, particularly the Convention on the Rights of the
Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women, as well as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities once it was
ratified, were incorporated in national laws and implementation plans. To that end, Samoa
was working with relevant government agencies and offices to ensure that the principles
contained in ratified treaties were incorporated in national laws and programmes for
implementation.
27. With regard to justice and law reforms, one of the key goals of the public
administration sector plan for the period 2014-2018 was working towards establishment of
an independent anti-corruption commission. The sector intended to seek technical
assistance from the development partners of Samoa for the design and structure of the
commission.
28. Currently, there was an anti-corruption partnership between the National
Prosecution Office, the Chief Auditor and Controller and the police. A freedom of
information act must be based on national policy direction. Despite the absence of such an
act, there was freedom to access and disseminate information and there was freedom of
expression.
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29. The implementation of the law and justice sector plan had seen the separation of the
Ministry of Police and the Correctional Services. The upgrading of prison facilities
included relocation to a bigger site and the construction of new infrastructure, to be funded
from the national budget. The proposed new infrastructure included the provision of
rehabilitative programmes for inmates so that reintegration into communities was
facilitated. That included appropriate health and counselling facilities.
30. Under the law and justice sector reforms, the Government had also looked into the
rehabilitation of deported returnees. The Office of the Attorney General, under the auspices
of the law and justice sector, had collaborated to set up the first charitable trust in the
Pacific for returnees. The main goal of the Samoa Returnees Charitable Trust Integration
Assistance Programme was to provide resettlement services, family reunification links and
temporary accommodation to ensure a strategic intervention with regard to the growing
number of returnees and a potentially increase in antisocial behaviour.
31. Establishing a mechanism to support deportees through the period of their arrival
and resettlement in Samoa would help, both from a security perspective in preventing the
development of a cultural underclass linked to transnational criminal organizations and
involved in criminal activity, and from a human rights perspective, enabling the deportees
to become responsible, contributing members of the Samoan community. The initiative was
establishing vocational networks to allow returnees to prove to the community that they
were law-abiding citizens and deserved a second chance. The successful implementation
and sustainability of the programme was premised on the support of traditional social
structures, including extended families and faith-based organizations.
32. The delegation stated that some important changes had emerged from the health
sector: maternity leave was now up to 6 months, and paid leave had been extended from 8
to 12 weeks, with 5 days of parental leave.
33. Abortion was illegal and could only be performed on medical grounds if there was
the life of the pregnant woman was in danger.
34. The focus of the United Nations Population Fund in Samoa was on strengthening
national capacity to deliver family planning and reproductive health services, as well as
sexual and reproductive health services for young people. Implementation was focused on
setting up strategically located youth health centres, where young people would have access
to such services with privacy guaranteed. A growing group of youth peer educators had
been trained to lead peer learning in sexual and reproductive health services within
faith-based youth organizations, with support from the ministries of community
development health and education.
35. The Government remained committed to ensuring that it ratified all core human
rights conventions to safeguard citizens and their rights, and therefore had accepted the
recommendations in that regard.
36. Samoa would be the first Pacific island country to ratify the three Optional Protocols
to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It had submitted the instruments of
ratification for all three Optional Protocols: (a) on the involvement of children in armed
conflict; (b) on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography; and (c) on a
communications procedure. That showed the strong commitment of Samoa to the
protection of children from harmful practices that might affect their rights and freedoms.
37. Samoa was working towards the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities, as disability rights was one of the biggest human rights issues.
Samoa would continue to work with international and regional partners on the development
of specific stand-alone disability legislation to support the full implementation of the
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Convention. Following that, Samoa would then ratify the Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities by December 2016.
38. Samoa looked forward to the establishment of a national monitoring review
framework, to be housed in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, to efficiently
monitor and evaluate all human rights reporting so that human rights reporting with
obligations would go through a consultative process in a timely manner.
39. On behalf of the Government of Samoa, the Minister thanked all the delegations that
had provided comments to the universal periodic review of Samoa, and the troika
comprised of Congo, Ecuador and India, for the guidance provided. Samoa welcomed
technical and financial assistance provided by the international community to implement its
human rights commitments, and was determined to continue to work to comply with its
international human rights obligations and to pursue its close cooperation with all
stakeholders to meet those commitments.
B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review
40. During the interactive dialogue, 48 delegations made statements. Recommendations
made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report.
41. Fiji commended the important transition of the Office of the Ombudsman under the
2013 Act into the national human rights institution of Samoa in accordance with the Paris
Principles. Fiji noted the adoption of a 2013 act designed to deal effectively with domestic
violence.
42. The Republic of Korea welcomed the establishment of the national human rights
institution, the opening of the Community Law Centre and the enactment of the Family
Safety Act. It remained concerned about women’s and gender equality issues and public
awareness-raising regarding persons with disabilities.
43. Georgia appreciated laws enacted since the first review, including the Crimes Act,
the Family Safety Act, the Community Law Centre Act and the Prisons and Corrections
Act. Georgia commended Samoa for establishing the national human rights commission
within the existing Office of the Ombudsman.
44. Germany urged Samoa to consider the ratification of the main human rights
conventions. While appreciating the guaranteed free schooling for all primary and
secondary education students, Germany continued to be worried about the reported
widespread violation of children’s rights.
45. Ghana appreciated increased human rights awareness-raising programmes by the
Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development and the police. Ghana welcomed
the legislative reforms taken to comply with the Convention on the Elimination of All
Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
46. Guatemala noted steps taken to promote human rights. It noted positively the
creation of the Office of the Ombudsman to monitor, promote and protect the fundamental
rights of all persons.
47. Haiti thanked Samoa for its comprehensive report, noting progress achieved in the
field of child rights and persons with disabilities.
48. Costa Rica applauded the 2013 Ombudsman Act extending the mandate of the
Ombudsman and creating the national human rights institution. Costa Rica welcomed the
establishment of quota for female members of Parliament and the election of a woman to
the position of Deputy Prime Minister.
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49. Indonesia appreciated efforts made by Samoa on legal and social reform, as
recommended in the first cycle. It encouraged Samoa to further promote a strengthened
independent national human rights institution. Indonesia encouraged the ratification of the
Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or
Punishment.
50. Ireland commended positive developments since the first review. Ireland urged that
additional attention be paid to children’s rights, and it echoed the concerns of the
International Labour Organization at the persistence of child labour, including child street
vendors.
51. The delegation of Samoa pointed out that the Government had been working on the
ratification of a number of international instruments. In reply to questions on specific
issues, Samoa indicated that the Constitution already included provisions against torture
and mistreatment of persons in custody. Concerning the adverse effects of climate change,
Samoa had recently been a signatory to the Paris Agreement on climate change, which
paved the way for future global action. Immediately after signing, Samoa had deposited its
instrument of ratification. The recommendation of the first cycle on the establishment of a
sex-offender registry had been implemented and the relevant instrument was now before
the Parliament for adoption. Authorities and institutions had recently been involved in a
weeklong training session on sex offences.
52. Samoa was not procrastinating on the ratification of international treaties; it would
examine all human rights conventions for possible ratification, but it would first make sure
that an adequate legal framework for their implementation was in place. That exercise,
which was absolutely essential, would take time.
53. Italy welcomed progress on women’s rights with the adoption of the Family Safety
Act, the creation of a specialist family violence court and the introduction of the crime of
marital rape. Italy commended Samoa for results achieved in the field of compulsory
education.
54. Jamaica noted robust human rights awareness-raising programmes and the strong
commitment to governance, which emphasized the Samoan way of life. Jamaica
encouraged Samoa to continue engaging religious leaders to play a more active role in
promoting women’s rights and reducing domestic violence.
55. Malaysia noted efforts taken to increase school enrolment among children with
disabilities or those in vulnerable socioeconomic situations. Malaysia noted that further
efforts could be undertaken to counter discrimination against women, eliminate violence
against children and promote the rights of persons with disabilities.
56. Maldives welcomed the progress made, notably the constitutional amendment
introducing a 10 per cent quota reserving five seats for women in Parliament. Maldives
encouraged Samoa to continue reaching out to international partners, including OHCHR, to
further strengthen efforts to promote and protect human rights in Samoa.
57. Mexico highlighted the creation of the Office of the Ombudsman. It noted efforts
made by Samoa to promote the rights of women, as reflected in the Labour and
Employment Relations Act 2013, and urged the Government to take the measures necessary
to ensure its effective implementation.
58. Morocco appreciated the consultative approach to preparing the national report. It
welcomed efforts towards harmonizing national legislation with international norms, such
as the adoption of the Samoa national development strategy; the creation and design of 15
sectoral plans covering such matters as agriculture, education, communication, health and
public administration; and the law and justice sector plan for the period 2012-2016.
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59. Namibia commended Samoa for reforms of enabling legislation, including the
national Constitution, which had created the mandate of the Office of the Ombudsman. It
noted the “My rights friendly school programme”, which included a mock universal
periodic review competition and asked for information regarding that programme.
60. The Netherlands noted progress made by Samoa in promoting human rights within
its legislative and policy frameworks. It expressed concern about discrimination on the
ground of gender identity. The Netherlands encouraged Samoa to engage more widely with
the United Nations human rights system.
61. New Zealand commended Samoa on progress made in increasing participation by
women in Parliament and government leadership positions. New Zealand noted that further
work was required in the area of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights.
62. Pakistan expressed appreciation for efforts on gender equality, economic
empowerment and access to justice. It noted legislative reforms to achieve compliance with
the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the
Convention on the Rights of the Child, and measures to establish and improve national
human rights institutions. It commended action to implement recommendations related to
education and climate change.
63. Regarding the death penalty, the delegation of Samoa stated that it had been
abolished in 2004. On ownership of land, Samoa clarified that any woman in the country
could own and co-share land and other property, though in a few villages where women
were not recognized as main title-holders that right was not duly recognized. Samoa
emphasized that much work had been done to increase awareness of human rights among
the population, bearing in mind that certain issues, such as discriminatory practices on
sexual matters, were especially difficult to face, as they involved cultural and religious
sensitivities. Samoa also indicated that in July 2016 it would be among the first 22
countries to provide a voluntary report on the implementation of the Sustainable
Development Goals.
64. The instruments of ratification for the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the
Rights of the Child had been deposited and registered with the United Nations on 29 April
2016. Due note was taken of delegations’ comments on two important issues: water
sanitation and mental health.
65. The Philippines recognized the reforms undertaken since the first review of Samoa.
The Philippines called on the international community to extend financial and technical
resources to Samoa in addressing concerns about high levels of non-communicable diseases
and health issues induced by climate change.
66. Portugal welcomed the ratification of the International Convention for the Protection
of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the adoption of the Constitutional
Amendment Act requiring a 10 per cent quota for women parliamentarians. Portugal also
welcomed the standing invitation extended to the Council’s special procedures, and the
adoption of the Family Safety Act in 2013, which provided for an extensive definition of
domestic violence.
67. France welcomed the establishment of the national human rights institution and
encouraged Samoa to continue efforts to combat discrimination against women.
68. Sierra Leone welcomed the signing of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities and the adaptation of various facilities for persons with impaired vision. Sierra
Leone encouraged Samoa to continue seeking technical assistance to mitigate the impact of
climate change, and to ensure that women’s access to land for economic empowerment was
guaranteed.
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69. Slovenia noted remaining challenges, such as the prevalence of stereotypical
portrayals of women, and sexual violence against women and girls. It also noted that same-
sex relations between consenting adults continued to be criminalized.
70. Spain noted the creation of a national human rights institution, progress on the rights
of women, and the review of criminal law to punish rape both outside and within marriage.
It appreciated action taken regarding the right to drinking water and sanitation.
71. Timor-Leste noted with appreciation the constitutional amendment introducing a
quota for women representatives in the Legislative Assembly, as well as the broadening of
the Ombudsman’s functions. It commended Samoa for the establishment of a family court
and for enacting the new Crimes Act 2013 outlining penalties for sexual offences.
72. Turkey welcomed the progress achieved by Samoa in the areas of combating
discrimination against women and ensuring equality between men and women, noting the
introduction in the Constitution of a quota of 10 per cent for women representatives in the
Legislative Assembly. It commended the recent adoption of a law protecting women and
children from domestic violence.
73. Ukraine commended the achievements of Samoa since the first review, particularly
the ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from
Enforced Disappearance. Ukraine encouraged Samoa to take further measures to continue
improving human rights, including in the spheres of women’s and children’s rights, health,
criminal justice and freedom of religion.
74. The United Kingdom commended action to support the victims of family violence
through enactment of the Crimes Act and the establishment of the Alcohol and Drugs
Court. It called on the whole of the Government of Samoa to take greater ownership of
strengthening the protection of women and children from domestic violence.
75. Samoa pointed out that a working group on child labour had been established in
2015 and that the new national sustainable development strategy would come into effect on
1 July 2016. The general theme of that strategy was an acceleration of sustainable
development and the creation of opportunities for all. It was against that framework that the
human rights commitments of Samoa would be implemented.
76. The United States of America commended Samoa for successfully holding free and
fair parliamentary elections, and was encouraged by progress made in increasing women’s
participation in the political process. It expressed concern that domestic violence against
women persisted, prison conditions were poor and laws regarding hazardous work
conditions for children were too vague.
77. Uruguay welcomed measures adopted to protect women and children. It also
welcomed participation by rural communities in the fight against violence in the villages
where campaigns to eradicate gender-based violence had been carried out. It noted the
intention of Samoa to review its legislation so as to incorporate the Convention on the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
78. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela noted that Samoa was carrying out important
legislative reforms to bring its domestic laws into compliance with its international human
rights obligations. It noted the constitutional reform of 2013, which had established a 10 per
cent quota for women representatives in the Legislative Assembly. It also noted that,
despite the lack of resources, inclusive education had continued to be a priority.
79. Algeria noted that Samoa had strengthened its domestic legal framework to reduce
gender inequality and to combat violence against children and torture. Algeria noted that,
despite its lack of resources, Samoa had made commendable efforts in such areas as
children’s education, the care of persons with disabilities, and health.
12 GE.16-10832
80. Argentina noted that, since the previous universal periodic review cycle, Samoa had
adopted legislative and other measures to follow up on the recommendations it had
received. It urged Samoa to continue progress in the promotion and protection of human
rights.
81. Armenia noted the Inclusive Education Policy 2014 and appreciated its focus on
improving educational opportunities for young children and children with disabilities. It
also welcomed the adoption of the Family Safety Act 2013, which provided protection for
women and children from domestic violence, and encouraged Samoa to step up efforts in
that regard.
82. Australia commended the implementation by Samoa of its 2013 legislation to ensure
that 10 per cent of the members of the national Parliament were women. It acknowledged
efforts made by Samoa to address violence against women and girls, including the passing
of the Family Safety Act 2013.
83. Brazil noted with appreciation efforts carried out by Samoa since 2011 to improve
the human rights situation in the country. It acknowledged steps taken by Samoa to
eliminate the worst forms of child labour by reviewing its labour legislation. It welcomed
the publication by the Office of the Ombudsman of its first report and the signature by
Samoa of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2014.
84. Cabo Verde welcomed the establishment of the national human rights institution
within the Office of the Ombudsman, achievements relating to the Millennium
Development Goals, policies in favour of women and children’s education, and a new
criminal law on sex crimes.
85. Canada welcomed the introduction of legislative provisions in 2013 requiring
Parliament to have at least five female representatives, and noted with satisfaction the
unprecedented election of five women members of Parliament in the 2016 general
elections, which had included the election of the first female Deputy Prime Minister of
Samoa.
86. Chile valued efforts to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities and
welcomed the decision of Samoa to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities. Chile stressed the adoption of a law banning corporal punishment of children
in the school environment, and the reform of domestic legislation with a view at
harmonizing it with the provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women.
87. China noted with appreciation the application of strategies stimulating sustainable
development, and the promotion by Samoa of the rights of women and children, education
and health. China commended the cooperation of Samoa with OHCHR, the United Nations
Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women) and other
development partners, and called on the international community to provide Samoa with
technical cooperation.
88. Honduras welcomed efforts made by Samoa to implement the recommendations it
had received during its first universal periodic review. It commended Samoa for ratifying
the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced
Disappearance and for signing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,
and expressed the hope that the latter would soon be ratified.
89. Cuba noted the adoption of a number of laws which had contributed to the
improvement of the juridical framework for the promotion and protection of human rights.
Major progress had been achieved in the field of children’s rights, especially with regard to
children with disabilities, gender equality and women’s representation in the political arena.
GE.16-10832 13
90. Cyprus welcomed the enactment of the 2013 Ombudsman Act expanding the Office
of the Ombudsman as the national human rights institution of Samoa, as well as the passing
of the 2013 Family Safety Act and the constitutional amendment establishing a 10 per cent
quota for women representatives in the legislative assembly.
91. Denmark was pleased to note that Samoa, during its first universal periodic review,
had accepted recommendations for the ratification of the Convention against Torture and
Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and hoped that Samoa was
taking steps to join the 159 States parties to the Convention. In that regard, Denmark
highlighted that the Convention against Torture Initiative stood ready to explore avenues to
assist the Government of Samoa in advancing towards ratification.
92. Egypt commended the progress achieved by Samoa in the areas of rights of children,
women, political participation, education and health. Egypt acknowledged the commitment
of the Government to, inter alia, the adoption of the national development strategy and the
reproductive health policy. Egypt was encouraged by the establishment of a special
investigation unit to monitor and investigate human rights complaints.
93. Montenegro asked Samoa to further elaborate on activities undertaken to support the
work of the Ombudsman while ensuring adequate resources for it to effectively carry out its
mandate. Montenegro noted efforts made to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities and asked the delegation to provide further information on the current
stage of the ratification process.
94. The delegation of Samoa expressed sincere thanks to all countries participating in
the interactive dialogue and assured them that all recommendations would be examined
seriously.
II. Conclusions and/or recommendations
95. The following recommendations enjoy the support of Samoa, which considers
that they are already implemented or in the process of implementation:
95.1 Ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
(Georgia) (Italy) (Portugal) (Ukraine) (Guatemala);
95.2 Consider ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (Pakistan) (Republic of Korea);
95.3 Ratify and implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (New Zealand);
95.4 Ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and, in
so doing, ensure adequate education for children with mental and physical
disabilities (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);
95.5 Ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its
Optional Protocol (Uruguay);
95.6 Complete ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (Turkey);
95.7 Continue developing its successful programmes for the implementation
of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Bolivarian
Republic of Venezuela);
** The conclusions and recommendations have not been edited.
14 GE.16-10832
95.8 Deepen actions and measures intended to accede to the Convention on
the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and guarantee the full exercise of human
rights of persons with disabilities (Argentina);
95.9 Ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to
ensure the rights of people with disabilities are safeguarded (Australia);
95.10 Continue with ongoing efforts to ratify the Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities and the International Convention for the Protection of
All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, in line with recommendations it
accepted during its first review in 2011 (Ghana);
95.11 Ratify the three optional protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the
Child: the Optional Protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and child
pornography; the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed
conflict; and the Optional Protocol on a communications procedure (France);
95.12 Sign the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child
(Republic of Korea);
95.13 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the
Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict and the Optional
Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children,
child prostitution and child pornography (Uruguay) (Guatemala);
95.14 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the
Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography
(Germany);
95.15 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All
Forms of Discrimination against Women (Costa Rica);
95.16 Adopt the necessary measures in the legislative sphere as well as policy
measures and allocation of resources to incorporate and effectively implement
the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women in its domestic law (Honduras);
95.17 Further promote gender equality by implementing the Convention on
the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women in terms of
access to employment (Cyprus);
95.18 Take positive steps to implement the Family Safety Act among law
enforcement agencies (Fiji);
95.19 Amend the Family Safety Act to provide anonymity and protection for
those who make complaints of family violence under the Act (Fiji);
95.20 Enforce the 2013 Family Safety Act, especially ensuring the full
prohibition of sexual harassment and spousal rape (United States of America);
95.21 Harmonize national laws with the international regulations on the rights
of women and children (Ukraine);
95.22 Increase efforts in the process of reconciling internal legislation with
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
norms through the inclusion of a specific definition of discrimination against
women, consistent with article 1 of the Convention (Chile);
95.23 Further enhance national policies to promote the rights of women and
children (Georgia);
GE.16-10832 15
95.24 Continue supporting the work of the National Human Rights Institution,
in line with the Paris Principles and in collaboration with civil society and other
relevant stakeholders, to raise awareness on human rights and conduct more
human rights activities in Samoa (Indonesia);
95.25 Allocate adequate human and material resources to the national human
rights commission (Spain);
95.26 Consider establishing an independent national human rights institution
in accordance with the Paris Principles (Timor-Leste);
95.27 Establish an independent national human rights institution in
accordance with the Paris Principles (Turkey);
95.28. Redouble efforts to strengthen its national human rights institution, in
accordance with the Paris Principles (Honduras);
95.29 Continue to expand human rights awareness as being complementary to
the Samoan way of life (Jamaica);
95.30 Enhance efforts to provide human rights training for law enforcement
agencies (Malaysia);
95.31 Conduct public awareness campaigns and education programmes on
human rights issues, targeting all sectors of the population (Sierra Leone);
95.32 Step up activities to increase participation of women in public life and
decision-making (Turkey);
95.33 Continue to consolidate its human rights policies, particularly in the
sphere of economic, social and cultural rights, in order to continue enhancing
the quality of life of its people, especially the most vulnerable sectors of the
population (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);
95.34 Pursue the recommendations outlined in the 2015 State of Human Rights
Report, particularly those relating to women, children, people with disabilities
and prisoners (Australia);
95.35 Continue applying measures to improve the rights of persons with
disabilities, in particular through the implementation of the policy on disability
2016-2020 (Cuba);
95.36 Establish an interministerial committee responsible for the
implementation of its international obligations, inter alia, for coordinating the
drafting of the national reports to the treaty bodies and for organizing country
visits by the Council’s special procedures (Portugal);
95.37 Submit its overdue reports to the Human Rights Committee and the
Committee on Enforced Disappearances (Sierra Leone) (Ukraine);
95.38 Enhance cooperation with the special procedures by encouraging visits
by the working groups and special rapporteurs (Turkey);
95.39 Take the necessary measures to remove difficulties facing persons with
disabilities, including improving access to public spaces and services and
empowering children and women with disabilities to exercise their rights
(Republic of Korea);
95.40 Exert concrete efforts to eliminate all forms of discrimination and
violence against women (Republic of Korea);
95.41 Continue efforts in promoting women’s rights (Morocco);
16 GE.16-10832
95.42 Strengthen efforts to eliminate patriarchal attitudes and stereotypes that
discriminate against women, including through a comprehensive public
awareness programme (Slovenia);
95.43 Put in place a comprehensive strategy to eliminate patriarchal attitudes
and stereotypes that discriminate against women (Namibia);
95.44 Review and reform all policies, laws and practices that restrict women’s
rights to equal employment, property and credit, as well as access to medical
care and related services (Haiti);
95.45 Take concrete steps to improve access to decent work and other
economic opportunities for women in achieving gender equality (Malaysia);
95.46 Implement awareness-raising and training programmes for school staff
and students to create safe educational environments free from discrimination
(Maldives);
95.47 Prohibit discrimination on the ground of gender identity in employment
legislation, such as by amending the Labour and Employment Relations Act,
2013 (Netherlands);
95.48 Conduct gender competence and domestic violence law training of its
law enforcement agencies, including the police, prosecutors and the judiciary
(Fiji);
95.49 Take all necessary measures to prevent and stop domestic violence,
including through providing shelters for persons under threat, in coordination
with the “Samoa Victims Support Group” (Brazil);
95.50 Investigate and prosecute all allegations and incidents of acts of violence
against women and girls, including domestic violence. Implement targeted
training for law enforcement, and engage with community leaders in the
development of public education campaigns (Canada);
95.51 Take active steps to further promote children’s rights by spreading
awareness about domestic violence and child labour and emphasizing the
importance of students’ school attendance (Germany);
95.52 Put in place measures to prevent and combat conjugal and sexual
violence and provide appropriate assistance and protection to victims,
particularly in rural areas (Haiti);
95.53 Consider, as soon as possible, compiling statistical data on sexual
offences against children and putting in place a registry of persons convicted of
such offences (Haiti);
95.54 Promote awareness-raising campaigns aimed at preventing and
combating violence against women and domestic violence (Italy);
95.55 Ensure that women victims of violence receive appropriate help and
perpetrators are brought to justice (Italy);
95.56 Establish effective child abuse reporting mechanisms and ensure the
appropriate remedy and rehabilitation for child victims (Malaysia);
95.57 Set up a shelter for victims of sexual abuse and violence (Maldives);
95.58 Develop a national action plan to combat trafficking in persons that
includes measures for the rehabilitation of victims and training of the officials
involved in investigating these crimes (Mexico);
GE.16-10832 17
95.59 Establish effective and transparent mechanisms to prevent violence, in
particular against women, girls and boys, and ensure that these mechanisms
are allocated with the necessary capacity and resources to be operational
(Mexico);
95.60 Put in place comprehensive measures to prevent and address domestic
violence and ensure that women have access to immediate means of redress and
protection and that the perpetrators are prosecuted (Portugal);
95.61 Further protect children against violence and child labour through the
strengthening of legislation, in order to safeguard their well-being and their
right to education (Portugal);
95.62 Conclude the enactment of the bill to establish a policy against
harassment in the public sector (Spain);
95.63 Ensure the application in the private sector of the provisions against
sexual harassment of the Labour and Employment Relations Act (Spain);
95.64 Establish a coordination mechanism to combat child labour, including in
all its worst forms (United States of America);
95.65 Apply harsher sentences for sexual violence and child abuse, with a view
to strengthening laws on child protection, as well as developing new avenues for
making complaints of child abuse, sexual aggression and incest which are
adapted to children (Uruguay);
95.66 Strengthen measures to combat child abuse (Algeria);
95.67 Raise the level of protection for children, in particular against sexual
abuse and child labour (Cabo Verde);
95.68 Continue progress in harmonizing its legislation on child labour with
international standards (Chile);
95.69 Continue national efforts for the establishment of specialized courts on
violence against women, particularly domestic and sexual violence
(Guatemala);
95.70 Accelerate the procedure for the adoption of the bill reviewing the age of
criminal responsibility (Turkey);
95.71 Provide members of the Samoa Police Service with training on the
human rights of accused and detained persons, and ensure that provisions
made for food, water and sanitation at detention facilities meet the United
Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Canada);
95.72 Uphold the commitment as to the realization of the human rights to safe
drinking water and sanitation (Spain);
95.73 Take measures to facilitate access to credit for women in rural areas
(Honduras);
95.74 Step up efforts to promote sexual education, particularly oriented
towards adolescents, paying special attention to the prevention of early
pregnancy and to the control of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS,
as previously recommended (Mexico);
95.75 Adequately resource and implement the Mental Health Act of 2007
(United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);
18 GE.16-10832
95.76 Ensure effective implementation of the 2009 Education Act and also
develop a national strategy to reduce dropout rates and to address cases of
school-aged children working as street vendors (Italy);
95.77 Strengthen the implementation of policies to permit teenaged mothers to
return to formal education and sit exams after giving birth, aimed at breaking
cycles of poverty, teenage pregnancy and domestic abuse (Jamaica);
95.78 Step up efforts to achieve universal basic education and implement
specific measures to reduce and prevent the dropping out of school by girls
(Mexico);
95.79 Enhance efforts to improve access to quality education for all at all levels
(Philippines);
95.80 Provide more school opportunities for children and strengthen
education, vocational and technical training (China);
95.81 Continue efforts aiming at enhancing human rights education, especially
for children (Egypt);
95.82 Protect land rights for indigenous communities (Cabo Verde);
95.83 Promote climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies and
disseminate these to the entire Samoan society and in the school curriculum
(Haiti);
95.84 Adopt measures to address the adverse effects of climate change with a
human-rights-based approach, and strengthen the strategies for adjustment
and management of disaster risk (Costa Rica);
95.85 Strengthen adaptation measures to curb the long-term effects of climate
change (Maldives);
95.86 Continue efforts in terms of climate change mitigation strategy,
including through assistance to the Samoan population in case of natural
disasters and with the support of the international community (Morocco);
95.87 Monitor and evaluate the long-term effects of climate change (Sierra
Leone);
95.88 Continue to strengthen 15 sectors identified for effective implementation
of the Sustainable Development Goals (Pakistan);
95.89 Promote economic development, in a sustainable manner, to improve the
quality of life of its population (China);
95.90 Apply a national development policy which incorporates the Sustainable
Development Goals, the creation of an enabling environment for economic
growth and improved services for the most marginalized communities (Cuba);
95.91 Continue the cooperation with OHCHR, including on identifying and
developing programmes for capacity-building and technical assistance (Egypt).
96. The following recommendations will be examined by Samoa, which will provide
responses in due time, but no later than the thirty-third session of the Human Rights
Council, in September 2016:
96.1 Ratify the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or
Degrading Treatment or Punishment and its Optional Protocol and the
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights by the third
universal periodic review at the latest (Germany);
GE.16-10832 19
96.2 Take steps to ratify the remaining five core United Nations human rights
treaties, namely the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural
Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial
Discrimination, the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or
Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities and the International Convention on the Protection of the
Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Ghana);
96.3 Ratify the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural
Rights (Costa Rica) (Netherlands) (Algeria) (Montenegro) (Portugal)
(Guatemala);
96.4 Ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of
All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Guatemala);
96.5 Consider accession to the International Convention on the Protection of
the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families to
strengthen further its national legal framework (Indonesia);
96.6 Ratify the remaining core human rights treaties, in particular the
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the
Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading
Treatment or Punishment and the International Convention on the Elimination
of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, as well as the Convention on the
Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Ireland);
96.7 Sign and ratify the International Covenant on Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights, the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or
Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the International Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Italy);
96.8 Consider ratification of the International Convention on the Elimination
of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the International Covenant on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Namibia);
96.9 Ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Racial Discrimination, the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and its Optional Protocol
(Portugal) (Guatemala);
96.10 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic,
Social and Cultural Rights (France);
96.11 Ratify the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman,
Degrading Treatment or Punishment (France) (Uruguay);
96.12 Take steps to ratify the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (New Zealand);
96.13 Accede to the Convention against Torture and its Optional Protocol
(Chile) (Honduras);
96.14 Intensify efforts to ratify the Convention against Torture and Other
Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Denmark);
96.15 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (France)
(Uruguay) (Montenegro) (Portugal);
20 GE.16-10832
96.16 Ratify or accede to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the International Covenant
on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Convention on the
Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their
Families and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Racial Discrimination (Sierra Leone);
96.17 Ratify the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural
Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial
Discrimination and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman
or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Slovenia);
96.18 Consider ratifying, as soon as possible, fundamental international
human rights instruments such as the Convention against Torture and Other
Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Timor-Leste);
96.19 Accede to other fundamental international instruments, particularly the
International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial
Discrimination and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman
or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Turkey);
96.20 Consider ratifying other key international human rights treaties,
including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,
the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial
Discrimination, and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, as well as Optional
Protocols to the Convention against Torture and the Convention on the Rights
of the Child (Ukraine);
96.21 Consider ratifying the international instruments to which the country is
not yet party, in particular the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the International
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination; the
International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant
Workers and Members of Their Families and the Second Optional Protocol to
the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition
of the death penalty (Argentina);
96.22 Accede to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the
Crime of Genocide (Armenia);
96.23 Accede to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural
Rights (Armenia) (Honduras);
96.24 Ratify international human rights instruments to which it has not yet
adhered, such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural
Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial
Discrimination, and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, as well as their protocols
(Brazil);
96.25 Accede to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms
of Racial Discrimination and to the two optional protocols to the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, with particular reference to the
abolition of the death penalty in all circumstances, (Honduras);
GE.16-10832 21
96.26 Ratify international instruments on the prevention of trafficking in
persons (Costa Rica);
96.27 Consider ratifying international human rights treaties to which it is not
yet a State party (Philippines);
96.28 Ratify those core international human rights instruments not yet ratified
(Cabo Verde);
96.29 Take all necessary measures towards becoming a State party to more
core human rights treaties (Cyprus);
96.30 Consider ratification of all core human rights conventions (Egypt);
96.31 Take steps to address inequalities affecting human rights in the area of
discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (New Zealand);
96.32 Repeal all provisions criminalizing same-sex relations between
consenting adults (Slovenia);
96.33 Complete the updating of legislation by decriminalizing homosexual
relations between consenting adults (Spain);
96.34 Combat discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
by decriminalizing “sodomy” and “indecency between males”, which currently
constitute crimes punishable by prison sentencing for up to seven years (United
States of America);
96.35 Repeal laws that criminalize consensual same-sex conduct, and prohibit
discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity in all
areas of public life, including employment, health and education, bringing the
legislation of Samoa into conformity with its commitment to equality (Canada);
96.36 Adopt measures to prevent violence and discrimination against persons
on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity (Chile);
96.37 Adopt measures to reduce violence against women and girls and violence
based on sexual orientation and gender identity (Slovenia);
96.38 Amend its laws to prohibit corporal punishment of children in all
settings and circumstances, and take further steps to eradicate child labour and
guarantee the right to education of all children (Ireland).
97. All conclusions and/or recommendations contained in the present report reflect
the position of the submitting State(s) and/or the State under review. They should not
be construed as endorsed by the Working Group as a whole.
22 GE.16-10832
Annex
Composition of the delegation
The delegation of Samoa was headed by Hon. Lautafi Selafi Purcell and composed of the
following members:
• Hon. Lautafi Selafi Purcell, Minister of State;
• Peseta Noumea Simi, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade;
• Constance Rivers, Associate Public Solicitor, Office of the Attorney General;
• Olive Vaai, Senior Foreign Service Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade;
• Pierina Katoanga, Second Secretary, Samoa Mission to the United Nations, New
York.