Samoa Review - 53rd session of Universal Periodic Review

إعلان مهم.

يرجى من المتحدثين الكرام إلقاء بياناتهم بسرعة معقولة لضمان ترجمة فورية وفية وعالية الجودة.

Speakers are kindly reminded to deliver their.

Statements at a reasonable pace to ensure complete and quality interpretation.

Il est rappelé aux orateurs qu'ils.

Doivent présenter leur déclaration à un rythme raisonnable afin de garantir une interprétation complète et de qualité.

Напоминаем ораторам, что для того, чтобы устный перевод был полным и качественным, необходимо выступать в умеренном темпе.

Se ruega a los oradores que pronuncien sus declaraciones a un ritmo razonable para garantizar una interpretación íntegra y de calidad.

Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, I hereby declare open the third meeting of the 53rd session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review. And we will now proceed with a review of Samoa. Before we begin, please let me remind you that all delegations should upload their oral statements through the online system for inscription on the list of speakers event before the opening of the review they intend to address. In accordance with the Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, the review is based on the national report prepared by the State under review and the compilation of UN information and the summary of stakeholders' information, both prepared by the OHCHR. Before I give the floor to the delegation, I wish to inform you that courtesy passive interpretation from the Portuguese language will be provided by UNOC for the entire duration of the meeting. I now have the honour to give the floor to Her Excellency Ms. Nella Tavita Levy, Permanent Representative of the Mission of Samoa here in Geneva to introduce the delegation and present the national report. Excellency, you have the floor.

Madam Vice President of the Human Rights Council, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, talofa lava. I convey the warm greetings of the Prime Minister of Samoa, the Honorable La'ulua Leimaleiagtoa, Lewate'a Polataivao Fosi Schmitt, the government and the people of the independent state of Samoa. It is an honor to address the Human Rights Council as Samoa participates in its fourth cycle review under the Universal Periodic Review mechanism. I thank all countries participating today and the members of the Troika. We acknowledge and thank delegations that provided advanced questions. We extend our appreciation to the UN Secretariat and the Commonwealth Secretariat for supporting Samoa in its preparation for this review. Samoa is a small island developing state in the Pacific, comprising 10 islands. four of which are inhabited and home to over 200,000 people. Our history, culture, and heritage extend back some 3,000 years. At the heart of Samoa's development aspirations is improving the quality of life for every person, while also preserving our culture and natural environment, and protecting and respecting Christian values and individual human rights. This vision is underpinned by Samoa's unique communal fa'a Samoa culture that revolves around aiga or families and villages, supported by our fa'amatai or traditional chiefly system. These traditions emphasize community, solidarity, and collective responsibility. Samoa's fourth national report outlines the progress achieved and the challenges encountered in implementing the recommendations that Samoa supported during its third UPR cycle in 2021. Since our previous review, we have continued to strengthen reporting and implementation efforts. In 2023, Samoa submitted its initial report on the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance followed by a response to the list of issues in 2025. Last year, we also submitted our report on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In March, Samoa participated in the reviews of these two reports. As a small island country, Samoa faces significant capacity and resource constraints in meeting its reporting obligations. As part of our efforts to improve treaty reporting and follow-up, Samoa has submitted its State Party report under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, in response to the list of issues prior to reporting. The National Mechanism for the Implementation, Reporting, and Follow-up Task Force led the preparation of the fourth UPR report. The consultation process was guided by wide, inclusive, and meaningful dialogue with key stakeholders. Data collection and alignment with other human rights reporting processes took place. Madam Vice President, The Constitution of the Independent State of Samoa is the supreme law of the country, all persons are equal before the law. Samoa's society is grounded in Christian values and traditional Samoan customs. These two pillars coexist in harmony, complementing Samoa's human rights obligations and its commitment to fundamental freedoms. Samoa community institutions play an important role in safeguarding peace, security, and human rights. Our fa'amasai and traditional village systems work alongside our police force to ensure public order and security in Samoa. Samoa has ratified six of the nine core international human rights treaties and continues its efforts to accede to the remaining instruments, including Samoa's commitment to ratify the International Convention on the protection of the rights of all migrant workers and members of their families by 2030 as part of Samoa's Human Rights 75 pledge. However, constraints in legislative drafting capacity, technical expertise, and resources continue to affect the pace at which legislation can be reviewed, developed, and enacted. Madam Vice President, since our third UPR cycle, Samoa has advanced legislative reforms to harmonize domestic laws with international human rights standards and strengthen the domestic framework for human rights protection. These measures include the District Development Act 2026, established the District Development Authority to manage the annual funding of 2 million Tala to support community-led social and economic projects for each of the 51 constituencies. The Constitution Amendment Act 2025 reaffirmed the Chief Justice as head of the judiciary and retained the Land and Titles Court of Appeal. The National Provident Fund Amendment Act 2024 established the Disability Benefit Scheme. The Labour Employment Relations Amendment Act 2023 strengthened provisions addressing discrimination, harassment, and labour exploitation. Samoa maintains a standing invitation to all United Nations special procedures mandate holders of the Human Rights Council. In November 2024, a visit of the Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights took place. Samoa has strong national institutions dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights. Our National Human Rights Institution is accredited with A status by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions. Vui Clarence Nelson, a former senior Supreme Court judge of Samoa and former member of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, was appointed as the fifth ombudsman and head of the Samoa NHRI in July 2026. We acknowledge, however, that more work needs to be done. Samoa recognizes that there are no quick or easy solutions to some of the ongoing challenges that we face. Climate change remains the single greatest threat to the livelihoods security and well-being of Pacific people, we as a nation also face increasing burdens on our health systems. Pressures on food security, declining literacy and numeracy rates, connectivity and energy supply infrastructure challenges, and labour and skills shortages. Our response therefore requires sustained action across government and society, supported by strong partnerships. As part of our efforts to address domestic and gender-based violence, Samoa has adopted the Polapui Pui National Prevention Framework, the country's first national strategy dedicated to preventing violence before it occurs through a whole of society approach. These efforts are contributing to behavioral change and lessening the vulnerability of those at risk of domestic violence. Investment in our people, infrastructure, and essential services has been a cornerstone of Samoa's development journey. We express our sincere appreciation to all our development partners, the United Nations, and other organizations for the support and cooperation that has helped us advance our national development goals. Samoa has achieved positive results across a number of areas. Primary and secondary education in public schools remains tuition-free. There is almost universal access to clean water, sanitation, roads, and electricity. Public health services are subsidized, with free healthcare available for children under 15, persons with disabilities, and pensioners. The number of women running for elections has increased over the years. In 2025, we submitted our third Nationally Determined Contributions report with commitments to further reducing national emissions by 2035. The Samoa Environment Youth Engagement Framework, Tuula Aofa Manu'uti, launched in May, seeks to strengthen the meaningful participation of youth in environmental sustainability and climate decision making. Samoa has ratified nine out of 10 core ILO conventions, and under the District Development Program, 20% of the 51 million tala in funding assigned to the 51 districts is specifically for gender equity, disabilities, and social inclusion priorities. And building resilience to disasters and climate change is now fully integrated across all sectors. The government recently adopted the budget. under the theme of accelerating inclusive growth and access, reinforces Samoa's commitment to prioritizing social protection, inclusion, accountable governance, and economic opportunity. There is increased investment in social protection measures, particularly for persons with disabilities and older persons, as well as in legal aid and inclusive education. Financial assistance for NGOs has increased from 7.7 million tala to 10.9 million tala, and supporting local businesses and expanding opportunities to key sectors, such as tourism and agriculture, are essential to ensuring economic growth, job creation, and resilience for vulnerable groups. Madam Vice President, while Samoa has made progress, significant challenges remain. For Samoa, the UPR is more than a reporting mechanism. It's an opportunity to reflect honestly on our progress, acknowledge the areas where we must do better, and identify practical solutions for the next four to five years. Samoa requires continued and sustained assistance from development partners and the wider international community. With their support, we welcome genuine, mutually accountable partnerships relevant to our national circumstances and directed towards the advancement, protection, and fulfillment of the human rights of all people in Samoa. We look forward to a constructive and successful review. Madam Vice President, we have now highlighted the key progress that Samoa has made since our last review, including relevant responses to the advanced questions received, setting the scene for our exchange today. Joining us as part of Samoa's delegation from Apia Our representatives from Samoa's Law Reform Commission, the Law and Justice Sector, the Ministry of Family and Social Affairs, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The delegation will provide further details and respond to the issues and recommendations raised today. If you allow me, Madam President, Vice President. May I introduce to you the delegation? On my right is Mr. Tufunga To'alo Fagalua Tufungafatu. He is the Executive Director of the Samoa Law Reform Commission. On my right, on the podium, we have Ms. Shalisa Tapuai. She is the Assistant Executive Director of the Samoa Law Reform Commission. If you could raise your hand to indicate yourself, please. We also have Ms. La'ulu Miriama Elisaiya, she is the Assistant CEO, also the Coordinator of Law and Justice Sector in Samoa from the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration. We also have Ms. Anna Main, she is the Assistant CEO of the International Relations Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Joining us also is Ms. Felila Meleifua Tanielu, she is the Assistant CEO of Policy from the Ministry of Family and Social Affairs. And also, we have with us Ms. Tiare Marumutakimanu, First Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Samoa in Geneva. And sitting at our flag is our counselor, Madam Annie Maungafua of the Permanent Mission of Samoa in Geneva. I thank you very much, Madam Vice President.

I thank Her Excellency for highlighting the progress Samoa has made and presenting the delegation. We shall now begin our interactive dialogue. Before giving the floor to delegations for their questions and comments, I would like to remind you that the speaking time will be one minute and 45 seconds for all delegations. I wish to reiterate that issues of political, bilateral and territorial nature should be kept out of our deliberations. Moreover, United Nations terminology should be used when referring to States and territories. Please be reminded that only the use of the words “recommend” or “recommendation” will ensure that the relevant parts of your statements are included in the recommendations section of the Working Group report. Also, allow me to recall that the Human Rights Council strongly rejects any acts of intimidation or reprisal against individuals and groups who cooperate or have cooperated with the United Nations and its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights. And we will now begin the list of speakers. And first, I give the floor to the representative of Nepal.

Thank you, madam Vice President. Nepal welcomes the delegation of Samoa to the fourth cycle of UPR and thanks them for presenting the national report. We appreciate Samoa for its constructive engagements with the human rights instruments and mechanisms and take note of the efforts made to implement the accepted recommendations of the previous cycle. The progress achieved by Samoa in the areas of labor rights, social protection, and climate change adaptation and mitigation is encouraging. In a constructive spirit, Nepal recommends Samoa the following: 1. Set up the measures to ensure child protection and enhance their access to quality education and address the root causes of school dropout, particularly for women and girls. 2. Continue efforts to combat climate change and support vulnerable communities in designing and implementing appropriate adaptation and mitigation measures. Three, continue measures to protecting gender equality and redouble efforts to eliminating gender-based violence. We wish Samoa a successful review. I thank you.

I thank you. Next, I give the floor to the Netherlands.

Thank you, Vice President. The Kingdom of the Netherlands thanks the delegation of Samoa for the presentation of its national report. The Netherlands commends Samoa for its efforts to advance.

Gender equality and women's participation in decision making, including through its National.

Policy on Gender Equality and the National Policy on Inclusive Government 2021-2031.

In the spirit of constructive cooperation, the Netherlands recommends that Samoa.

One, increase government efforts to promote social inclusion of LGBTQI+ people and decriminalize consensual same-sex sexual conduct by repealing sections 67, 68, and 71 of the Crimes Act, and strengthen press.

Freedom by ensuring a safe and open.

Media environment, including equal and non-discriminatory access to government information and press conference for all media outlets.

The Netherlands wishes Samoa success with the follow-up of all recommendations it receives during the UPR cycle. Thank you, Madam Vice President.

Thank you. Next speaker is New Zealand.

Thank you, Madam President.

We warmly welcome the delegation from Samoa. We welcome the focus Samoa has taken on the rights of persons with disabilities, including the adoption of its National.

Policy for Persons with Disabilities, the Disability Benefit Scheme, and the election of Mata'afa Fa'atino Utumapu to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in June. New Zealand recommends that Samoa: Ensure a safe and enabling environment for independent media and journalists by.

Removing bans on media.

Continue efforts to implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by recognising disability as a prohibited ground of discrimination in Samoa's constitution. Three, ensure that the criminal code does not discriminate on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. Four, finalize and implement a sexual and reproductive health policy that strengthens sexual and reproductive health and rights, prioritizes the family life education program, improves access to health services, and strengthens community awareness. We thank the delegation for their participation today and wish them a successful review.

Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Excellency. And next, I give the floor to Philippines.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. The Philippines warmly welcomes the distinguished delegation of Samoa and thanks it for its comprehensive report. We welcome the adoption of the Labor and Employment Relations Amendment Act in 2023 and ratification in 2024 of ILO Conventions No. 187 and No. 190. We are also encouraged by the new disability benefits scheme, the Pola Pui Pui National Prevention Framework 2024-2026, on addressing gender-based violence and the inclusion of gender equality and disability rights considerations in Samoa's climate and disaster resilience strategies. To build on these gains, the Philippines offers the following recommendations: One, strengthen protection mechanisms for Samoan nationals taking part in overseas labor mobility schemes. Two, ensure that reconciliation does not take precedence over accountability and survivor safety.

In the prosecution of cases of violence against women and girls; three, consider amending the Family Safety.

Act to recognize economic violence; and last, expedite the adoption of the Child Care and Protection Bill that is aligned with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In closing, the Philippines wishes Samoa a productive review. Thank you.

I thank you. And next, I give the floor to Portugal.

Thank you, madam Vice President. Portugal warmly welcomes the delegation of Samoa, and thanks for the presentation of its national report. We praise the adoption of the first National Climate Change and Gender Strategy for Climate Action as a recognition of the disproportionate impacts of climate-related risks on human and girls' rights, and of the need to anchor climate action in human rights principles. In a constructive spirit, Portugal recommends that Samoa: 1. Ratify the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and its Optional Protocol; 2. Adopt guidelines for police, prosecutors, and the judiciary, and strengthen the implementation of policies to combat violence against women and girls, placing survivor safety, protection, and accountability at the center of these efforts; Third, complete the review and reform of the Mental Health Act in line with human rights standards and implement it through a human rights-based approach. Portugal wishes Samoa a successful review. I thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Republic of Korea.

Thank you, Madam Vice President.

The Republic of Korea warmly welcomes the delegation of Samoa to its fourth cycle of the UPR. My delegation commends Samoa for its continued efforts to advance legislative reforms in line with international human rights law and to implement policies and initiatives aimed at promoting and protecting the rights of women, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities. Recognizing the progress made, my delegation would like to make the following recommendations for Samoa in a constructive spirit. One, consider ratifying additional international human rights instruments which Samoa is not yet a party, including the International Covenants on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Two, strengthen the Office of the Ombudsman by providing necessary human, financial, and technical resources to enable it to carry out its mandate effectively and independently in accordance with the Paris Principles. Three, make effective measures to safeguard media freedom in accordance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. and other relevant international human rights standards, particularly by ensuring prompt and impartial investigations into all allegations of threats, intimidation, or violence against journalists. Four, intensify efforts to enhance the national child protection framework, including by explicitly prohibiting corporal punishment of children in all education settings. We wish you some more successful review. I thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Romania.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. Romania welcomes the delegation of Samoa and appreciates all efforts and consultations at national level that led to the presentation of its national report. We take note of legislative reforms and governmental policies adopted since the last UPR cycle, in particular aiming to strengthen national human rights institutions. Remini encourages Samoa to continue this positive trend and step up its efforts to address existing barriers which continue to limit access to healthcare, education, employment, justice, and public participation.

We would like to recommend the following:.

Consider enshrining the right to education in the constitution and guaranteeing its legislation at least 12 years of free primary and secondary education, and at least one year of free pre-primary education. Implement a targeted national strategy to raise literacy and numeracy rates and take targeted measures to reduce out-of-school rates. Consider drafting comprehensive legislation combating trafficking in persons, aligned with international standards, and elaborate a national plan in this regard.

Romania wishes Samoa success in this UPR cycle. I thank you, Madam Vice President.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Russian Federation.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. We'd like to thank the delegation of Samoa for the report, and we welcome the work of the authorities to strengthen the legal instruments aimed at protecting human rights, including the adoption of new laws geared towards implementing the recommendations made during the third UPR cycle. We also welcome the efforts made by Samoa to develop legislation in the field of human rights and to gradually raise the effectiveness of implementation. At the same time, a lot remains to be done in Samoa on human rights, in particular, further strengthening of the ombudsperson is required and providing them with the necessary human and financial resources so as to ensure effective implementation of the ombudsperson's mandate in full compliance with the Paris Principles. Bearing in mind this and the objective difficulties in the field of human rights, we'd like to recommend, first of all, to ratify the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and Secondly, to take effective measures in order to provide free primary and pre-education and secondary education and to strengthen the education system in the country. Thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Rwanda.

Madam Vice President, Rwanda Omuri welcomes the esteemed delegation of Samoa. We commend the Office of the Ombudsman of Samoa for maintaining its A-status accreditation by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions in recognition of its alignment with the Paris Principles. We also commend Samoa for its efforts to advance the right to health through strengthened primary healthcare systems, expanded disease surveillance, and targeted immunization recovery initiatives. Ruanda constructively offers the following recommendation: Consider ratifying the Marrakesh Treaty to facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled. In conclusion, we extend our best wishes to Samoa for a successful review. I thank you, madam Vice President.

I thank you. And next, I give the floor to Seychelles. Seychelles is absent, so next I give the floor to Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone is equally absent, so next I give the floor to Singapore.

Madam Vice President, Singapore warmly welcomes the participation of the Independent State of Samoa, a fellow SIDS, in the fourth cycle of the UPR process. Singapore welcomes Samoa's efforts in promoting and protecting the rights of women, including through combating domestic violence. This is operationalized through decentralizing child protection and family safety funding to its districts under the District Development Act 2026, the Domestic and Family Violence Strategy, and its first National Crime Prevention Policy 2025-2030. We note that the policy, amongst others, emphasizes the safety, protection, and well-being of women and children.

Singapore also welcomes Samoa's efforts to tackle the rise of illegal drug usage.

And the illegal drug trade through its Transnational Crime Unit and hosting the Pacific Transnational Crime Coordination Centre. We also welcome the launch of the Say No to Illegal Drugs awareness campaign, which aims to raise public awareness and strengthen efforts to combat drug use and trafficking. In the spirit of constructive cooperation, Singapore recommends that Samoa continue to, first, enhance its policies that combat domestic violence; second, strengthen its policies that tackle transnational crime, including the illicit drug trade; and third, strengthen its policies combating drug use and trafficking. I thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Slovenia.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. Slovenia commends the Government of Samoa for its commitment to the UPR process and the presentation of the national report today. We welcome and commend the progress that Samoa has achieved since the last UPR, strengthening its public health system, labour rights protection, and social protection of persons with disabilities and children. We also commend Samoa on advancing a human rights-based approach to climate action and disaster risk reduction, and on the commitment to stronger participation and leadership.

Of women in public life.

Slovenia recommends to Samoa to tackle comprehensively domestic violence and violence against women. Slovenia further recommends continued efforts to ensure timely reporting to the UN treaty bodies. I thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Spain.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. Spain offers the warmest of greetings to the delegation of Samoa, and we appreciate the presentation of the national report, and we hail progress made in the strengthening of the response to violence against women and girls. We recommend, first, that there be a strengthening of the implementation and compliance with the National Policy for Family Safety 2021-2031, modify the law on family safety to explicitly include economic violence in the definition of violence against women and girls, and criminalize femicide as a standalone crime. Secondly, formally overturn the provisions of the criminal code that criminalize consensual sexual relations between same-sex adults, incorporating sexual orientation as well as a category – as a protected category under the general law against discrimination; and third, ratify the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, as well as the International Covenant on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination; as well as fourth, making progress for the elimination of child labor, closing legal gaps in the underground economy, and rather, that leave the minors unprotected, and strengthening as well labor laws, aligning compulsory education with the minimum age for work. Thank you very much.

I thank you, Excellency. The next speaker is Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is absent, so next I give the floor to Switzerland.

Madam Vice President, Switzerland wishes a warm welcome to the delegation of Samoa, and we make the following recommendations: 1. To strengthen the protection of victims of domestic violence by amending the 2013 Family Safety Act so as to authorise the police to issue immediate protection orders. Secondly, to eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity by repealing Articles 67, 68, and 71 of the 2013 Crimes Act. Three, to guarantee transparency and the fight against corruption by adopting a law on access to public information, which would guarantee to both journalists and the public access to documents held by the authorities, subject to clearly defined and legitimate restrictions. I thank you.

Thank you very much. Next, I give the floor to Timor-Leste.

Madam Vice President, Timor-Leste warmly welcomes the delegation of Samoa and thanks it for its informative report. We commend Samoa's efforts to advance human rights, particularly the development of disaster emergency management plans in 2024 for 17 high-risk schools, improvement in water service delivery and climate resilience, and the establishment of National Mental Health Committee in 2023, bringing together government and civil society representatives to address mental health concerns. In constructive spirit, team Leicester recommends that Samoa first, further strengthen primary health care service and expand access to community-based health care delivery. Second, intensify target measures to reduce school dropout rates and improve secondary school completion rates. We wish Samoa a successful review. Thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Togo.

Madam Vice President, my delegation would like to thank the distinguished representatives of Samoa for the report and we commend actions taken to strengthen the protection and promotion of human rights in Samoa despite the climate and environmental challenges that the country is facing. Togo would like to particularly commend the economic and social inclusion programme that has been implemented by the Government to strengthen access by vulnerable persons to basic services, in particular in health care and education. That being said, in a constructive spirit, we would like to recommend to Samoa the following: to take all necessary measures in order to ratify key human rights instruments which the country has not yet ratified, such as that on the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination and on the protection of the rights of all migrant workers and their family members. To conclude, Togo would like to wish every success to Samoa in the implementation of the recommendations stemming from this review. Thank you. Thank you.

I give the floor to Türkiye.

Madam Vice President, we thank the delegation of the Independent State of Samoa for their presentation. We commend Samoa for the legislative reforms undertaken since the third UPR cycle to harmonize domestic laws with international human rights standards, including in the areas of the rights of persons with disabilities and anti-discrimination measures in labor. We also welcome Samoa's submission of its Human Rights 75 pledge, demonstrating its commitment to further advancing human rights in the country. We encourage Samoa to continue its efforts to further strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights. Turkey recommends Samoa, first, to accede to further international human rights treaties; second, to encourage women's representation in parliament and public offices. We wish Samoa every success during its fourth UPR cycle. I thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Ukraine.

Thank you, Madam President. Ukraine warmly welcomes the distinguished delegation of Samoa and appreciates its continued engagement with the UPR process. We recognize the particular challenges faced by small island developing states, especially the growing impact of climate change on the enjoyment of human rights. In this regard, Ukraine commends Samoa for submitting its third nationally determined contribution in 2025, demonstrating its commitment to climate resilience, environmental protection, and the inclusion of vulnerable communities in climate action. We also welcome the 26% increase in government funding for the Office of Ombudsperson, reflecting Samoa's efforts to strengthen its national human rights institutions. In the spirit of constructive dialogue, Ukraine recommends to further strengthen the protection of environmental rights by incorporating the right to clean, healthy, and sustainable environment into national legislation and ensuring meaningful participation of vulnerable communities in environmental decision-making. Intensify efforts to prevent and address gender-based violence by strengthening survivor-centered access to justice, ensuring accountability for perpetrators, and expanding access to adequate protection and support services for women and girls. Ukraine wishes the delegation of Samoa a successful review and continued progress in advancing human rights for all. I thank you.

Thank you, Excellency. Next, I give the floor to the United Kingdom.

Thank you, madam Vice President. The UK welcomes Samoa's engagement with the UPR process and its cooperation with international human rights mechanisms. We commend Samoa's efforts to promote the rights of persons with disabilities, including the historic election of Mata'afa Fa'atimu Utumatu to the UN Committee of the Rights of.

Persons with Disabilities, the first Samoan to serve on that body.

The UK recognises the important role of Samoa's civil society organisations and independent institutions in supporting vulnerable communities and strengthening democratic accountability. However, challenges remain. We're concerned by the prevalence of violence against women and girls, and we also note concerns.

Regarding media freedom and the decline in Samoa's ranking in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, underscoring the importance of protecting independent journalism and freedom of expression.

The UK recommends Samoa: 1.

Strengthens measures to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls through improved victim support services and the implementation of national policies.

2.

Safeguards freedom of expression by ensuring journalists and media organisations can operate independently and without undue restriction.

3. Promotes the inclusion and protection of vulnerable groups.

Including persons with disabilities, children and gender diverse communities, ensuring equitable access to education and public services. Thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to United Republic of Tanzania.

Thank you, Madam President.

The United Republic of Tanzania welcomes the delegation of Samoa and commend its progress in legislative and institutional reforms, gender equality, social protection, and climate resilience. In the spirit of constructive dialogue, Tanzania recommends Samoa that, first and foremost, strengthen its national human rights framework through effective implementation of legislative reforms and enhanced institutional capacity, intensify efforts to prevent and address gender-based violence for including through stronger protection mechanism and access to justice for women and children, improve access to inclusive education, health care, and social protection, particularly for persons with disabilities and vulnerable communities; further integrate human rights-based approach into climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. Tanzania reaffirms its solidarity with Samoa in advancing its human rights commitment. I thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Venezuela.

Madam Vice President, a cordial welcome to the delegation of Samoa, and we thank them for their presentation. We acknowledge the progress made on human rights, especially measures geared towards strengthening the National Human Rights Institute. as well as ratifying international treaties and approving various laws relevant to the local realities. We welcome the organization of high-level dialogues aimed at promoting a human rights-based approach to climate action, thus promoting a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment for the population. We also encourage the country to continue implementing its successful population-wide public policies such as the framework for national public policy on social protection. We would like to recommend, in a constructive spirit, one, to continue the ongoing legislative review in order to incorporate relevant elements of international treaties in their domestic legislation; two, to continue efforts aimed at ensuring full implementation of the National Environment Plan 2023-2027 and its related strategies; and thirdly, to strengthen the water infrastructure expansion and modernization programs undertaken by the Samoa Water Authority in order to ensure sustainable access to drinking water. Finally, we wish you a very successful UPR. Thank you very much, Madam Vice President.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Vietnam. Vietnam.

Madam Vice President, Vietnam welcomes the report presented by His Excellency, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Samoa. We commend Samoa for its continued efforts and notable achievement in promoting and protecting human rights, particularly in strengthening its human rights institutions, legislation system, expanding social protection for vulnerable groups, and advancing inclusive education. We also appreciate Samoa's strong commitment to addressing climate change and disasters risk through the implementation of national strategies, community-based resilient programs, and inclusive early warning systems. We further commend Samoa's efforts to promote women's participation in leadership and decision making, with women now accounting for more than half of senior executive positions across government ministries. In the spirit of constructive dialogue and cooperation, Vietnam would like to propose two recommendations. One, continue strengthening community-based climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction measures, including accessible early warning system with particular attention to vulnerable groups and remote communities. Two, further enhancing access to inclusive and quality education, technical and vocational training, and digital skills development, particularly for children. Vietnam wishes Samoa every success in implementing its UPR process and achieving sustainable development goals. I thank you.

I thank you, and next, I give the floor to Algeria.

I thank you, Madam Vice President. Algeria welcomes the delegation of Samoa and thanks it for the presentation of its national report. Algeria commend the legislative and institutional reforms undertaken by Samoa since the previous review. We welcome the extension of social protection through the disability benefit scheme and the new child well-being benefits. We further commend Samoa's efforts to maintain universal access to basic public health services and to strengthen the climate resilience of its communities and health systems, despite its particular vulnerability as a small island developing state. To consolidate these achievements, Algeria would like to recommend the following: one, further strengthen the participation of women in decision-making and leadership positions; two, expand inclusive education and early childhood development, in particular through the implementation of its 10-year childhood development framework. Algeria wish Samoa a successful review. I thank you.

I thank you, and I now give the floor to the delegation to address observations and comments that have been raised so far. Please, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Madam Vice President, and we thank all delegations for their interest in Samoa’s UPR. Climate change, the environment, and disaster risk management are shared areas of interest and priorities for Samoa. I will therefore invite my colleague, Ms. Anna Main, to provide further information on Samoa’s recent developments in response to the issues raised.

Thank you, madam Ambassador. Madam Vice President, I thank the countries for statements related to climate change, disaster risk reduction, and environment. Climate change is a cross-cutting issue in our national development agenda and remains one of Samoa’s national security priorities. The government of Samoa prioritizes a safeguarded, climate-resilient environment for all its people. Samoa has submitted its third Nationally Determined Contribution report in 2025 with stronger commitments to reduce national emissions, expand forest and mangrove cover, strengthen food security, advance gender equality, and enhance the inclusivity of women, youth, and vulnerable groups in climate processes and decision-making. To this end, the participation of persons with disabilities in climate frameworks is supported by the Ministry of Family and Social Affairs through its provision of technical and financial support to Nuunuaolealofa, Samoa's national advocacy organization for persons with disabilities. In May 2026, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment launched the Samoa Environment Youth Engagement Framework that endeavours to ensure the meaningful participation of youths in environment sustainability and climate advocacy. Samoa's disaster response planning and risk communication also integrates inclusive considerations for vulnerable groups. This is enabled through mainstreaming sign language interpreters, braille translation, and the usage of visual materials where relevant. Consideration of vulnerable groups, including persons with disability, is further featured in Samoa's current multi-hazard early warning for all roadmap. The Ministry of Family and Social Affairs had integrated the Polapui Pui National Prevention Framework into its national disaster risk reduction strategies. This is focused on ensuring that evacuation centers and emergency protocols are audited. for the safety of women and children during displacement caused by climate events and natural disaster. The Community Disaster and Climate Risk Management Program continues to be rolled out to villages and schools across Samoa, building disaster awareness and climate resilience, and ensuring local capacity in early warning systems and disaster responses. As of March 2026, the program has been conducted in 140 out of 368 villages. Community integrated management plans, or CIM plans, have also been implemented in all 368 villages to help identify locally relevant climate adaptation and disaster resilient measures in village communities. Since 2022, the Samoa Water Authority has made improvements in water delivery, infrastructure coverage, and climate resilience through measures such as borehole development, treated water expansion, and solar powered pumping systems. Madam Vice President, Although Samoa's current legislative and constitutional framework does not explicitly mention the right to for a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, environmental protections are implicitly derived through fundamental constitutional guarantees, such as the right to life, Article 5, freedom from discrimination, Article 15, and customary land protections, Article 102. In practice, Environmental rights are action through statutory framework comprising, most notably, the Land Survey and Environment Act 1989, the Planning and Urban Management Act 2004, mandating environmental impact assessment and public consultation, and the Village Fono Act 1990, which bridges law with the village fono by empowering village councils to enforce local conservation bylaws and marine protected areas. Beyond the Constitution of Samoa, there are regional and international environment instruments that Samoa is a party to, such as the Paris Agreement, CPD, BBNJ Agreement, CITES, to name a few. These instruments collectively address climate change, pollution, hazardous substances, and the protection of Samoa's marine and terrestrial environments. Thank you, Madam Ambassador.

Thank you, Ana. In response to issues and observations on women's rights, based violence and children's rights, I invite Ms. Felila Tanielu from the Ministry of Family and Social Affairs to share with you the important work that Samoa has done and continues to do working with our communities.

Thank you, Ambassador, Madam Vice President, distinguished delegates. Samoa recognizes violence against women and girls as a significant human rights challenge and continues to strengthen its legislations, policy, and institutional responses to prevent and address gender-based violence. The Family Safety Act and the Family Court provide critical legal protections and access to justice for survivors of family violence, supported by national policies and coordinated mechanisms that promote prevention and survivor-centered responses. In 2024, Samoa launched the Polopui Pui National Prevention Framework, the country's first whole of society strategy dedicated to preventing gender-based violence before it occurs. The framework brings together government agencies, communities, faith-based organizations, civil society organizations, and development partners to address the root causes of violence and promote safer families and communities. Its implementation is further supported by the Inter-Agency Central Services Guide, which strengthens coordination among service providers and facilitates access to integrated support services for survivors. Since the launch of the Bola Bui Bui, nearly 3,000 participants have completed the GBV 101 training program, significantly strengthening awareness and community capacity to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. Complementary initiatives, including La Langa Le Va or Women the Relationship, and Back Samoa have engaged six government ministers and a broad range of stakeholders in addressing family violence, substance abuse, and related social harms through coordinated community-based interventions. To support long-term prevention efforts, Samoa has implemented a national behavioral change campaign informed by nationwide youth telenovela consultations. Young people identify safe spaces, culture, faith, positive relationships, and community support systems as key priorities. The campaign promotes positive attitudes and behaviors, challenges harmful social norms, and raise public awareness on the prevention of violence against women and girls. The government's commitment to ending domestic violence has been further strengthened through the District Development Act 2026, which decentralizes child protection and family safety funding to all 51 districts. This legislative milestone enhances local ownership and implementation of prevention and ownership initiatives. To strengthen protection for children and young people, the Ministry of Family and Social Affairs, in partnership with development partners and non-government organizations, is implementing GBV 101 training programs in schools, communities, and sporting organizations. These initiatives promote safeguarding standards, respectful relationships, and safer environments for children and youth through education and sports. Samoa continues to implement its no-drop policy under the Family Violence Policy Framework, requiring the mandatory prosecution of domestic and family violence cases and ensuring that complaints cannot be withdrawn once formal legal proceedings have commenced. This policy reinforces accountability and strengthens protection for survivors. Additionally, the Samoa Public Service Commission has delivered social inclusion sanitization training programs for public servants, integrating JETSI principles into public service delivery. This initiative strengthens institutional capacity and support the mainstreaming of inclusive and non-discriminatory approaches across both the public and private sectors. Moreover, Samoa remains firmly committed to advancing gender equality and empowerment of women and girls. This commitment is grounded in the Constitution of Samoa, the National Policy on Gender Equality and Rights of Women and Girls 2021-2031. and strengthen legislative protection against discrimination and harassment in employment. In 2022, Samoa launched its gender responsive budgeting program, supported by an implementation manual to guide its application across government ministries and agencies. The program integrates gender consideration into policy development, budget planning, priority setting, and resource allocation, ensuring that public resources contributed to equitable and inclusive development outcomes. Economic empowerment initiatives continue to expand opportunities for women at the community level. Under the District Development Project, a locally funded initiative, 20% project funding is allocated to gender equality and social inclusion activities. Livelihood programs, sewing, and digital marketing trainings, and district-level development investments further strengthen women's economic resilience and participation. Samoa has consistently demonstrated its commitment to women's political participation and leadership through its constitutional and legislative framework. Following the 2013 constitutional amendment, Article 44 of the Constitution requires that women compromise at least 10% of members of Parliament, equivalent to a minimum of six women in the 51-seat Legislative Assembly. Samoa remains the only Pacific Island country to have legislated a minimum representation requirement for women Parliament. This measure has contributed to a steady increase in the number of women contesting general elections and assuming leadership positions across government and public institutions. Key achievements include the election of Samoa's first female Prime Minister, serving from 2021 to 2025; the appointment of a female Deputy Prime Minister, becoming the second woman in Samoa's history to hold the position; the appointment of Samoa's first female Minister of Finance; the appointment of Samoa's first female Deputy Speaker of Parliament; Increased representation of women within the judiciary, including appointments across various levels of the court system. Continued growth in women's representation in senior leadership positions across the public service, independent constitutional offices, and community governance structures. Women currently compromise 57%. of senior public sector leadership positions, 45% of chief executive officers' position in the public service, 33% of board membership, and 46% of women representing representatives serving within the village governance structures. About 65% of women in district councils and district committees managing the district development project. These achievements demonstrate Samoa's ongoing commitment to promoting women's leadership participation and equal opportunities across political, economic, social, and community spheres, while advancing a more inclusive and equitable society for all. With regards to the rights of the child, the protection and promotion of children's right remains a national priority, grounded by the Convention, guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child in Samoa's Child Care and Protection Policy. Samoa continues to show the insistence and uphold the principles of non-discrimination, the best interest of the child, survival and development, and the rights of children to be heard. Under the newly established Minister Social Affairs, a dedicated children, youth, and family division has been created to strengthen child-focused services, safeguarding mechanisms, and referrals. Government continues to work closely with communities, schools, faith-based organizations, and development partners to strengthen child safeguarding system, improve social services, and promote child well-being through family-centered approaches. Thank you, Madam Ambassador.

Thank you. To respond to some of the health issues that have been raised, Ms. Laulu Miriyama will outline the government's initiatives in the health sector.

Thank you, Ambassador. Madam Vice President, in response raising the area of rights to health, universal access to affordable healthcare remains a cornerstone of Samoa's commitments to the right to life under Article 5 of the Constitution. Access to basic health services at subsidized or no cost has contributed to Samoa's relatively strong health indicators. Children under the age of 15, persons with disabilities, and pensioners are entitled to free healthcare services. The government of Samoa continues to invest in the health sector to ensure that quality health is accessible to all. In the financial year 2024-2025, the government's health expenditure increased by 2.6%, which is equivalent to 104 million Tala. The Ministry of Health continues to monitor schools to strengthen compliance with nutrition, water, vector control, food safety, and sanitation standards. In addition, the road delineation policy is currently being developed. to clearly define the scope of services at national, district, and rural health facilities, helping to improve the equitable distribution of healthcare services throughout the country. Samoa is also progressing the Health Sector Resilience and Wellness Program, which includes plans for a new hospital in Savaii and a national laboratory. Healthcare services are delivered through a network of national and district hospitals, health centers, and community-based programs that seek to reach both urban and rural populations. Recognizing the particular challenges faced by remote communities, Samoa continues to strengthen primary health care through mobile outreach services, maternal and child health programs, immunization campaigns, community awareness initiatives, and non-communicable disease prevention programs. However, Noncommunicable diseases remain one of Samoa's most pressing public health challenges. Diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, obesity continues to place significant pressure on the health systems and impact national productivity. In response, Samoa has expanded the Bienfa Samoa program A community-based initiative focused on the prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of non-communicable diseases. Through close collaborations with village women's committee and strengthened staffing in rural district hospitals, the program has enhanced outreach and access to services, including for persons with disabilities and those living in the remote areas. We continue to work closely with our development partners to achieve these objectives. Thank you, Ambassador.

There were some recommendations relating to the right to education, and I invite Ms. Shaila Tofu'e to share with you key developments in Samoa's education sector.

Thank you, Madam Ambassador. Madam Vice President, distinguished Member States and delegations, Samoa acknowledges the recommendations made on access to and the right to education. As a small island developing state, ensuring access to education for all is essential to the development of individuals and of the nation as a whole. Education, therefore, remains a national priority for Samoa. Under the Education Act 2009, school attendance is compulsory for children aged four years for early childhood education, and children aged five to 16 years for primary and secondary education. Among the many initiatives and programs underway to improve access to education, Samoa highlights the following achievements. The government's commitment to education is reflected in the 26-27 budget, which allocates 18.5 million to the one government grants to improve access to education, fund scholarships under the new district development project, and support labor schemes that build the skills of the national workforce in line with the National Workforce Plan 25-26. 2039, 2040. To strengthen skills development and workforce readiness, a further 1.5 million has been allocated to post-school education and training providers to support vocational and technical education pathways. To assist families at the start of the school year, the government rolled out a back-to-school assistance program in February 2026. providing 150 tala per citizen, totaling over 32.25 million across all 51 districts. To support inclusive education and ensure that no learner is left behind, the government has allocated 100,000 tala each to Aofaia Malamalama and Loto Tamafai. Under the Australian Government's Tautua program, an awareness campaign promoting support for students with disabilities was conducted in Upolu and Savai'i in May 2025. Between July 2024 and May 2025, training and consultations on inclusive education were delivered, including basic sign language training for teachers and teacher aides. The UNFPA and the Ministry of Education and Culture conducted a review of the family life education curriculum in 2025 to assess how family life education content is being delivered in classrooms. Family life education is integrated into existing subjects, in particular health and physical education and social sciences, as these subjects are used to discuss life skills. Despite ongoing constraints in financial resources and capacity, the government of Samoa remains committed to provide equal and accessible education for all throughout Samoa. Thank you, Madam Ambassador.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. I yield the floor back to you.

Thank you. Thank you very much. We will now continue with our interactive dialogue. And next, I give the floor to Armenia.

Thank you, Madam Vice President.

Armenia warmly welcomes the delegation of Samoa and thanks it for presenting its national report.

We commend Samoa.

For its continued commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, including through the work of its A-status National Human Rights Institution. We also appreciate Samoa's longstanding experience with its national mechanism for implementation, reporting, and follow-up, and the development of the SADATA database. Armenia, having established its own national mechanisms, recognizes the value of such arrangements in strengthening engagement with international human rights mechanisms and facilitating the implementation of recommendations. In this constructive spirit, Armenia would like to offer the following.

Recommendations: continue integrating a human rights-based approach into climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction, with particular.

Attention to accessibility and the meaningful participation of women, young people, and persons with disabilities; and further strengthen inclusive and equitable quality education with particular attention to foundational literacy and numeracy skills, including for children with disabilities and those in rural communities.

Armenia wishes Samoa every success in advancing its human rights commitments and implementing the recommendations received during this review.

Thank you, Madam Vice President.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Australia.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. We welcome the delegation and thank it for its presentation. Australia welcomes Samoa’s commitment to advancing social inclusion, including through child and disability wellbeing benefits. Australia also welcomes the strengthening of Samoa’s human rights framework through the new Ombudsman appointment, who also heads its National Human Rights Institution. Australia recommends Samoa: 1. Fully implement its national policy on gender equality and rights of women and girls, including strengthening efforts to eliminate gender-based violence. 2. Repeal sections 67, 68, and 71 of the Crimes Act criminalising private sexual activities between consenting adults, and take further steps to protect LGBTQIA+ persons from discrimination. And three, uphold freedom of expression as protected by the Samoan Constitution, including for independent media. We wish Samoa every success in its UPR review. I thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Bahamas.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. The Bahamas warmly welcomes the delegation of Samoa and thanks it for presenting its national report. As a fellow archipelagic climate-vulnerable small island developing state, we commend Samoa's leadership in advancing SIDS priorities, including through the landmark Samoa Pathway and its hosting of the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. We further welcome Samoa's progress in expanding climate change and environmental education, in advancing primary health care, as well as in strengthening labor protections through its 2023 Labor and Employment Relations Amendment Act, alongside the reaccreditation of its National Human Rights Institution with A status. To encourage further progress, the Bahamas respectfully recommends that Samoa: 1) continue efforts toward ratification

of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and

Cultural Rights, including through seeking the technical assistance and capacity-building support needed to create an enabling environment for ratification; 2) strengthen educational opportunities for children with disabilities; and 3) continue expanding opportunities for youth employment, including through vocational training, apprenticeships, and skills development programs. Recognizing the capacity constraints faced as a fellow SIDS, we encourage Samoa to continue availing itself of technical assistance and capacity building, and call upon international partners to provide sustained support responsive to Samoa’s human rights priorities. We wish Samoa every success in this UPR process.

Thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Bangladesh.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. Bangladesh warmly welcomes the distinguished delegation of Samoa. We commend the Government for its continued efforts to advance the realization of human rights for its people. We particularly appreciate the legislative and institutional reforms aimed at advancing gender equality, child protection, and the rights of persons with disabilities. We also welcome Samoa’s efforts to expand social protection, improve access to education and health care, and strengthen climate resilience. In a spirit of constructive cooperation, Bangladesh would like to offer the following recommendations: 1. Consider ratifying the outstanding core international human rights instruments. Two, enhance access to quality and inclusive education, particularly for children with disabilities and those living in rural and remote areas. Three, continue efforts strengthening climate resilience and disaster preparedness, particularly to protect vulnerable communities, including women, children, and persons with disabilities. We wish Samoa every success in its review. I thank you, Madam Vice President.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Brazil. Brazil is absent, so next I give the floor to Burundi.

Madam Vice President, Burundi wishes to welcome the distinguished delegation of Samoa, and we very much hope that this review be crowned a success. We hail and appreciate the implementation of the sectoral plan on community development. which reinforces family safety, including the fight against sexual violence. There's the national policy as well for persons with disability, as well as the Pathway Samoa 2040. My delegation hails the praiseworthy work deployed to bolster the participation of women in public and private life, including through the adoption of national policies on protection of children and gender equality. We also hail tangible progress made in education, birth registry, primary school, or rather primary education, as well as renewed vaccination, we would like to offer the following recommendations: One, to continue with efforts to targeted reduction in school dropouts and also to strengthen birth registry, and in particular for children with disabilities living in rural and remote areas. I thank you kindly.

Merci. Thank you. I give the floor to Canada. Canada.

Thank you, madam Vice President.

Canada thanks Samoa for this participation in this UPR. Canada hails the reestablishment of the Supreme Court oversight of these matters, as well as the work with the ombudsman, as well as progress made in primary health care. Canada recommends that Samoa address criminal defamation, protect the independence of media and journalists in order to fully ensure free speech; two, strengthen the implementation of national strategies for the fight against gender-based violence, including an increase in financing for survivors’ support, as well as promoting full participation of women in local governance and in decision-making; third, to overturn legislative provisions that criminalize consensual same-sex sexual relations between adults, while strengthening protection from sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination. Madam Vice President, Canada remains concerned over the limited progress made by Samoa in the ratification of international instruments on the rights of persons since the last UPR. I thank you kindly. Thank you very much.

The floor to Chile.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. We hail the delegation of Samoa. We underscore the implementation of the National Framework for Prevention, Pola Puipui, which creates community programs focused on the prevention of gender-based violence and economic autonomy for women and their empowerment, as well as initiatives in education to address this. These aimed at different sectors of society. With a constructive spirit, Chile would like to offer the following recommendations: one, to ratify the ICERD; two, adopt measures to expressly prohibit corporal punishment of all minors, those less than 18 years of age, in all settings, including the home, educational establishments, and care institutions. Third, guarantee effective access to justice for persons with disabilities through inclusive police, prosecutorial, and judicial systems. Four, put fourth, human, financial, and technical resources required by the Ombudsperson's Office to effectively meet the mandate in an independent manner, in step with the Paris Principles; and, five, to adopt measures necessary to ensure full respect for and the protection of the rights to freedom of speech, thought, and religion under Article 18 of the ICCPR. We wish Samoa success in this UPR cycle. Much obliged.

Thank you, Chile. Next, I give the floor to China.

Thank you, Madam Chair. China commends Samoa for the achievements it has made in promoting and protecting human rights since the last cycle of UPR. China welcomes Samoa's efforts to advance a number of national legislative reforms, address the adverse impact of COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and natural disasters, achieve steady economic growth, strengthen the rule of law, and promote digital public services. Samoa has also actively protected the rights of vulnerable groups, including women, children, persons with disability, and refugees and migrants. China has three recommendations. First, further improve social security and ensure that everyone has access to basic health care and quality education. Second, strengthen disaster prevention and mitigation capability. and reduce the impacts of climate change and natural disasters; third, continue to implement policies and measures relating to the protection of the rights of vulnerable groups, including women, children, persons with disabilities, refugees, and migrants, and combat criminal activities such as drug trafficking. Thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Colombia.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. Colombia welcomes the distinguished delegation of Samoa, and we hail their many areas of progress, including leadership in the area of human rights and environmental matters. We recognize female leadership in Samoa. We see this in the makeup of the delegation here in this UPR. We, with a constructive spirit, would like to recommend the following: first, to adopt measures to reduce and redistribute non-remunerated care work and to ensure equal pay for equal work. Secondly, to take measures to fully implement national legislation which sets forth 18 as the minimum age for matrimony. Third, develop comprehensive health care services for adolescents with youth appropriate foci, including support for sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and at-risk behavior. We wish Samoa the greatest of success. Thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Costa Rica.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. Costa Rica thanks Samoa for the report. And we commend Samoa for strengthening their domestic capacity and establishing national human rights institutions. Costa Rica recommends the following: one, ensure that the mechanisms for free, prior, and informed consent on environmental matters and in the drafting of public policy on human rights for a sustainable, healthy, and clean environment bear in mind the opinions of youth groups and women. Two, to prohibit corporal punishment for those of less than – for minors, that is, in all areas, including educational institutions and care institutions. Three, to strengthen access to justice for victims, ensuring that that cases of violence against women and girls are given priority; four, ensure human rights to an environment that is clean, healthy, and sustainable within the national legal framework; five, to adopt the draft law on persons with disabilities. Costa Rica reiterates its will to continue to cooperate with SIMEO in the promotion and protection of human rights.

Thank you very much. Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Côte d'Ivoire.

Côte d’Ivoire wishes to offer a warm greeting to the delegation of the Independent State of Samoa. We thank Samoa for their report. My delegation commends Samoa for the progress made in the area of the protection and promotion of human rights. We are pleased with the implementation of policies and strategies that specifically aim at fighting against gender-based violence and domestic violence. Cote d’Ivoire also hails the commitment of the Samoan authorities to an inclusive and equitable educational system, including free secondary education, as well as reforms undertaken in the Sectoral Plan for Education 2025-2030. My country encourages the Government of Samoa to continue its cooperation with the human rights mechanisms, as well as its efforts to eliminate all forms of violence against women and children. In a constructive spirit, we would like to make the following recommendations: 1. Abolish the death penalty; 2. Modify the Regulation of 1961 on marriage in order to expressly prohibit the marriage of minors and forced marriages; 3. enshrine the right to education in the Constitution and in legislation; 4. To draft a national plan of action for education in human rights, stressing in particular the teaching of rights enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child; 5. Envisage ratification of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. To conclude, Cote d'Ivoire wishes the full success for the delegation of Somalia. Thank you very much. Thank you very much.

I look forward to Cuba.

Madam Vice President, Cuba offers a warm welcome to the delegation of Samoa. We recognize the commitment made by Samoa to the UPR and the progress made in the promotion and protection of human rights. We look favorably upon the protection measures when it comes to labor exploitation, sexual harassment, with a constructive spirit and respectful spirit, we would like to make the following recommendations. One, continue the implementation of the National Policies for Social Protection 2020 to 2033 to address vulnerabilities. Two, to continue to promote the rights of children to nutrition, health, and safe environments, including through the implementation of the Development Framework for Early Childhood. We wish success to Samoa in this UPR and in the implementation of the recommendations accepted. Thank you.

I thank you. Next, I give the floor to Cyprus.

Vice President, we warmly welcome the delegation from Samoa and commend its continued efforts to promote and protect human rights. We take positive note of progress in strengthening primary health care, as well as continued efforts to advance gender equality.

At the same time, we recognize and commend Samoa’s efforts to address the challenges

posed by climate change and rising sea levels, including their implications for the rights and livelihoods of its people.

We encourage Samoa to make use of available technical assistance programmes in order to strengthen resilience and protect vulnerable communities.

In a constructive spirit, Cyprus recommends that Samoa: 1) considers acceding to the optional protocols to CAT and CEDAW;

Two, continue strengthening the implementation and funding of measures to prevent violence against women and girls, including technology-facilitated violence.

Three, adopts comprehensive disability rights legislation.

Four, expands inclusive social protection and access to decent work, prioritizing low-income households, persons with disabilities,

women facing economic disadvantage, and remote communities. And five, continues enabling equitable access to quality, inclusive education.

We wish Samoa every success with its review.

I thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Dominican Republic. Dominican Republic, please.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. The Dominican Republic commends Samoa for the presentation of its national report. As small island developing states in the Caribbean and the Pacific, we share challenges related to climate change, the protection of our oceans, and resilience in our communities. We commend Samoa for its Ocean Strategy 2020-2030. its initiatives in adaptation to climate change, and its progress in early warning inclusive systems. With solidarity, we recommend the following: One, to continue strengthening the protection of coastal communities given rising sea levels, incorporating a human rights-based approach to this. Two, step up measures to address plastic and microplastic pollution, protecting marine ecosystems, fishing communities, and the right to a healthy environment. Three, to continue to broaden inclusive systems for early warning and disaster and risk management. Four, to continue to broaden social protection programmes and childhood support programmes, giving priority to families living in poverty and focusing as well on equitable access to essential services. The Dominican Republic wishes Somalia the greatest of success in this UPR. Thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Estonia.

Thank you, madam Vice President. Estonia welcomes the delegation of Samoa to its fourth UPR and thanks for the presentation of the national report. Estonia commends Samoa's efforts in responding to the recommendations from its 2021 review, including promoting gender equality and improving the protection of children's rights. Estonia welcomes Samoa's actions to address climate change, including the development of its first national climate change and gender strategy for climate action and the Samoa Environment Youth Engagement Framework. Estonia recommends to: 1. Strengthen implementation of national strategies to prevent and combat gender-based violence, including technology-facilitated gender-based violence. Two, adopt and implement the Child Care and Protection Bill to strengthen the national child protection framework. And three, accelerate ratification of and accession to outstanding core human rights instruments, including the International Covenant on Economic and Social Rights, the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. We wish Samoa a successful review. Thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to

Ethiopia.

The pair warmly welcome the distinguished high-level delegation of Samoa. We thank the delegation for presenting the national report and commend the government for its constructive engagement with the UPR process. We recognize Samoa's effort to strengthen the protection of fundamental human rights.

We particularly appreciate Samoa's leadership in highlighting the human rights implications of climate change and the importance of international cooperation in addressing the challenges faced by small island developing states.

In the spirit of constructive dialogue and solidarity,

Ethiopia wishes to offer the following two recommendations to Samoa: 1. Continue strengthening climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction policies with particular attention to vulnerable communities; 2. Further strengthen access to quality education and health care, particularly in remote and disadvantaged communities. In conclusion, Ethiopia wishes Samoa a successful outcome of this review and the effective implementation of its UPAR recommendations. I thank you, madam Vice President.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Finland.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. Finland welcomes Samoa's engagement in the UPR process and commends its continued cooperation with international human rights mechanisms. Finland welcomes the adoption and implementation of the Pola Pu Pui National Framework for Ending Gender-Based Violence, including efforts to strengthen coordination, community engagement, and prevention of gender-based violence, as well as progress in promoting women's leadership and participation in public life. In a constructive spirit, Finland recommends Samoa, one, to ratify the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.

2.

To ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. 3. To ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights aiming to the abolition of the death penalty. 4. To adopt and implement the Child Protection Bill. We wish Samoa a successful review. I thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to France.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. France wishes a warm welcome to the delegation of Samoa, and we wish you in the UPR a crown of success. France hails the progress made by Samoa in the strengthening of the judicial system, as well as in support of persons with disabilities and their access to health care, and we encourage them to continue to support protection of children. France would like to recommend the following: one, ratified the Second Optional Protocol on the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights; and two, bolster protection of free press and free speech. To bring about legal protection for the right to religious freedom, strengthen the protection for protecting women and girls, to overturn all laws that criminalize same-sex consensual adult sexual relations, and lastly, to fully decriminalize the right to abortion and to legalize the right to have access to it. Thank you. Thank you very much.

Let’s give the floor to Colombia through video.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Gambia welcomes the delegation of Samoa and appreciates its continued engagement with the Universal Periodic Review process. We commend the integration of its National Prevention Framework for 2024-2026 into disaster preparedness, helping protect women and children from gender-based violence during emergencies. In the spirit of constructive dialogue, the GABE offers the following recommendations: 1. Strengthen prevention of gender-based violence and ensure protection, support, and access to justice for victims. 2. Adopt comprehensive legislation prohibiting discrimination against persons with disabilities and ensuring accessible public services. 3. Improve access to maternal and essential health care in rural and remote communities. 4. Ensure early warning systems and evacuation centres are accessible to persons with disabilities and older persons. We wish Samoa every success in implementing its human rights obligations. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Georgia.

Mr. President, Georgia welcomes the delegation of Samoa and thanks it for presenting its national report.

We welcome the implementation of the Polapui Pui National Prevention Framework to prevent gender-based violence and the strengthening of referral pathways for survivors. We also commend community-based efforts to improve access to health care in rural areas and welcome Samoa's commitment to accede to the Convention on the Rights of Migrant Workers by 2030. In the constructive spirit, Georgia recommends that Samoa: 1. Continue implementing the Polapui Pui National Prevention Framework and strengthening coordinated survivor-centered protection and support services.

2.

Further improve access to quality health care in rural areas, including through community-based prevention and outreach programs. We wish Samoa a successful review. Thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Germany.

Thank you, Chair.

Germany welcomes the delegation of Samoa and commends its ratification of the CRPD, its accession to the Convention against Torture, and its continued engagement with international human rights mechanisms, including through its National Mechanism for Implementation, Reporting and Follow-up. We encourage Samoa to continue the systematic participation of civil society and of the national human rights institution in the implementation and monitoring of human rights recommendations. At the same time, Germany noticed concerning developments regarding independent media reporting as well as freedom of religion and belief. Therefore, Germany recommends to: First, uphold freedom of opinion and expression by ensuring equal and non-discriminatory media access to government information, including by revising the draft government media protocol. Two, ratify the second optional protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights aiming at the abolition of the death penalty before the next Universal Periodic Review. Three, ensure that village-level rules and decisions fully respect freedom of religion or belief, including the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities and persons choosing not to participate in religious practices, as well as access to effective remedies against discriminatory sanctions or banishment. We wish Samoa all the best in a very successful review.

Thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Guyana.

Madam Vice President. Guyana warmly welcomes Her Excellency Ambassador Nella Pepetavita Levy, and we applaud her on the composition of her delegation. We commend Samoa on the many important developments since its last review, including enactment of the National Provident Fund Amendment Act 2024, Labour Employment Relations Amendment Act 2023, and a comprehensive review of Samoa's family law. We also commend Samoa's establishment of its cervical cancer screening clinic and the development of the National Climate Change and Gender Strategy for climate actions. In the spirit of constructive engagement, and as a fellow SIDS, Guyana proposes the following recommendations to the delegation of Samoa: 1. Take action on the recommendations from the review of the Samoa's family law legislations. 2. Finalization and enactment of draft mental health policy and national HIV/AIDS/STI policy. Three, continue collaboration with WHO to build on gains in neonatal, antenatal, and maternal health care. Four, ensure access to menstrual products for all women and girls and family planning support. Guyana wishes the delegation of Samoa every success during this review. Thank you.

I thank you. Next, I give the floor to Iceland.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. Iceland welcomes the delegation of Samoa and its national report. In the spirit of constructive engagement, Iceland recommends the following: one, ratify the second optional protocol to the ICCPR and fully abolish the death penalty; two, ratify the optional protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women; Three, strengthen existing legal frameworks to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, including by ensuring adequate resources for prevention and response. Four, decriminalize abortion in all circumstances and remove legal, administrative, and practical barriers to accessing safe abortion services. Five, eliminate child marriage nationwide. Six, guarantee universal availability and accessibility of sexual and reproductive health services. ensuring access to affordable, safe, and effective contraceptives. Seven, ensure access to comprehensive sexuality education in and out of school settings, in line with the international technical guidance on sexuality education. Eight, decriminalize same-sex contact and relations between consenting adults. I wish Samoa all success for its review. I thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to India.

Madam Vice President, India welcomes the delegation of Samoa and thanks them for their presentation of the national report and the update on implementation of the recommendations received during its third UPR. We appreciate the integration of the SDGs into the pathway for the development of Samoa and the Multi-Hazard Early Warning for All Roadmap 2026-2036. India is pleased to have partnered with Samoa, UNESCO and UNDP in establishing the Lifelong Learning Lab in 2022. We commend Samoa’s submission of its initial report under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and congratulate Samoa on the election of its first national to the CRPD Committee. In a constructive spirit, India recommends the following to Samoa: 1. Expedite the ratification of the International Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. and consider ratifying the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; 2. Expedite the enactment of the Disability Bill to provide a comprehensive rights-based legal framework that gives full effect to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We wish Samoa success in its review. I thank you.

I thank you. And now I give the floor back to the delegation to address observations and comments that have been raised so far. Please, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Vice President, and again, thank you to delegations for their interest in Samoa's UPR. In response to questions, observations, and recommendations relating to the incorporation of international treaties into Samoa's domestic law and ratification of human rights treaties, I invite Mr. Tufunga to elaborate on these matters.

Thank you, madam Ambassador. Warm greetings, madam Vice President and distinguished members of the UPR. We thank you for all recommendations. As a Samoa, a small island developing state, we take our legal obligations under any international conventions ratified under the Latin legal maxim of pactsa sunt servanda seriously. Indeed, human rights are protected by Samoa's constitution and are given further effect through various legislations, regulations, and government policies that are implemented across public institutions. Samoa has ratified six of the nine core international instruments, namely CAT, ICCPR, CEDAW, CRC, CRPD, and the ICCPR. Efforts to accede to the remaining core international instruments have commenced, however, legislative drafting capacity remains constrained with other priority legislation that have yet to be enacted. In lieu of accession, Samoa has implemented policies and programs that domesticate certain principles and obligations of conventions prior to its accession. We wish to highlight a working progress milestone in that the discussions among government stakeholders to include the Convention on the Protection the rights of migrant workers and members of their family by 2030 as part of Samoa’s Human Rights 75 pledge. Despite not ratifying the second ICCPR optional protocol, the Crimes Amendment Act 2004 formally abolished the death penalty, replacing it with life imprisonment by amending the Crimes Act 1961. Samoa has made significant progress reviewing its legal and institutional framework for the protection and promotion of human rights. This has helped Samoa meet international obligations under key human rights conventions such as CEDAW and CRC. In 2022, the Samoa Law Reform Commission completed a review of Samoa family law legislation, namely Infants Ordinance 1961, Marriage Ordinance 1961, Divorce and Matrimonial Causes Ordinance 1961, Maintenance and Affiliation Act 1967, Family Safety Act 2013, and the Family Court Act 2014. The Samoa Law Reform Commission's final report identified gaps in the Samoan legislative framework and made 30 legislative reform recommendations. Samoa submitted in 2023 its initial report on the International Convention for the protection of all persons from enforced disappearance, followed by a response of list of issues in 2025. Samoa faces, as a small island developing state, Samoa faces significant capacity and resource constraints in meeting its reporting obligations. As part of our efforts to improve treaty reporting and follow-up, Samoa has submitted its State Party report under International Covenant Governing of Civil and Political Rights in response to a list of issues priority prior to reporting. As mentioned earlier on, Samoa has ratified six of the nine core international human rights treaties and continues its efforts to accede to the remaining instruments. However, limited capacity constraints and legislative drafting, technical expertise, and resources continue to affect the pace at which legislation can be reviewed, developed and enacted, and this is where our partners can assist in this regard. Thank you, madam Ambassador.

Thank you, and further to that information, madam Vice President, I invite once again Ms. Tapuai to respond to matters relating to the Constitution of Samoa, legislative reforms and the national human rights framework.

Thank you, Madam Ambassador. Warm greetings again, Madam Vice President, Member States and delegations. Thank you for the recommendations on legislative reforms to strengthen and protect human rights. In Samoa, there exists the traditional village governance system and the introduced Western legal system. These two systems continue to coexist, guiding and influencing the overall governance of the people of Samoa. As of December 2025, Samoa has a total of 270 laws, including the Constitution of the Independent State of Samoa, 1960. Part two of the constitution guarantees fundamental freedoms, including civil and political rights and equal protections for all. This reflects Samoa's recognition at the highest level of equality before the law and equal protections under the law. Article 15 guarantees freedom from discriminatory legislation, prohibiting discrimination based on descent, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, social origin, place of birth, or family status. Our fourth national report highlighted the milestone legislative reforms advanced since the third UPR cycle. In the Samoa Law Reform Commission's final report for the review of the family laws 2022, Some legislative reforms were recommended and are pending. We highlight some of these recommendations as they are relevant to Samoa's efforts to advance recognition and protection of human rights. For the Infants Ordinance 1960, this is the principal law governing adoption, and at its heart is the welfare of the child in any court decision on custody and guardianship. The Family Review recommended that this principle remain central to any updated legislation. Samoa and New Zealand have held discussions to strengthen the inter-country adoption process in efforts to continue to protect the welfare and interests of children adopted from Samoa into New Zealand. The outcome of these discussions is expected to guide any future reforms. For the Divorce and Matrimonial Causes Ordinance 1960, it recognises domestic violence as a ground for the court to grant an earlier divorce order, even where the required 12-month separation period has not been met. The review recommended the retention of this requirement in any new or updated law that protects victims of domestic violence. The review notes it required reforms to the Marriageable Age and Marriage Ordinance 1960. This was effectively amended by the Immigration Act 2020 standardizing marriageable age at least 18 years. The Family Safety Act 2013, the review noted the current definition of domestic violence as it stands is wide enough to include economic violence and considers future reforms to expressly include economic violence. Current process of protection order were also considered in the review. with recommendations made for necessary improvement and strengthening going forward. These reform work demonstrates Samoa's continued commitment to aligning its laws with its human rights obligations. In relation to protection of freedom of religion, Article 11 of the Constitution recognizes and protects every person's freedom of religion. Where a village council decision may affect the exercise of a person's freedom of religion, the Village Fono Act 1990 provides an avenue of appeal to the Land and Titles Court. Of relevance, the principles of natural justice or access to a fair hearing are embedded in the Village Fono Act, which requires at a minimum that the alleged offender be informed of any allegations and given a reasonable opportunity to respond, and the Fono must consider that response in its decision. Samoa remains committed to a constitution and laws that not only honor Samoan culture and traditions, but also recognize and protect the human rights of all. In response to recommendations on equipping Samoa's NHRI, the Office of the Ombudsman is a constitutional body, and with its functions further detailed in the Ombudsman Act 2013. The Act expanded the Office’s mandate to serve as the NHRI of Samoa. Since the last cycle, some strategic measures have been taken by Samoa to enable the Office to discharge its functions fully, including the Government’s commitment shown through increased budget for the Office of the Ombudsman by 26% despite the end of donor aid after financial year 2022/23. The office is a hybrid NHRI and remains the only human rights institution among Pacific Island developing states with an A status accreditation from the Global Alliance of NHRI. NHRI Samoa is the current chair of the Commonwealth Forum of National Human Rights Institutions. In October 2024, the forum's biannual conference adopted the APEA Declaration 24. reaffirming the Forum's commitment to promoting a sustainable culture of human rights across the Commonwealth. Again, with the appointment of a former Supreme Court judge and former member of the CRC Committee as new Ombudsman in July 2026, who brings extensive experience and knowledge which further guides and equips the work of NHRI Samoa. to enhance human rights protection. Again, the government of Samoa is committed to continuing to equip and resource its institutions established to protect and uphold the people's human rights. Thank you, Madam Ambassador.

Madam Vice President, Samoa is committed to its obligations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. And we're pleased with the committee's review of Samoa's initial report earlier this year in March. Ms. Filila Tanielu will respond further on issues raised relating to our work to implement Samoa's obligations and support persons with disabilities, as well as on social protection issues.

Thank you, Madam Ambassador, Madam Vice President and delegates. Thank you for the recommendations on the rights of persons with disabilities in Samoa's social protection system. Samoa remains firmly committed to the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and to ensuring that persons with disabilities are fully included in all aspects of national development. The establishment of the Disability Benefit Scheme under the National Provident Fund Amendment Act represents a significant investment in the well-being and social protection of persons with disabilities. This initiative provides direct financial assistance and contributes to reducing barriers faced by persons with disabilities and their families. Within the Ministry of Family and Social Affairs, a cross-cutting disability specialist role has been established to strengthen disability inclusion across policies, programs, and services. Government continue to provide an increased funding assistance for our DBOs to conduct activities and support their operations and administration. Government continues to work closely with organizations of persons with disabilities to ensure that the voices of persons with disabilities inform national policies and development planning. Samoa has also supported greater accessibility for persons with disabilities in health, education, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience initiatives. Persons with disabilities are increasingly represented in national decision-making processes, and Samoa is particularly proud of Mata'afa Fatino Tuapu, the General Manager of Noa Noa Lealofa, a lead advocacy disability organization in Samoa, who was elected beginning this year to serve on the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities beginning in 2027. With regards to Samoa's social protection system, Samoa has significantly expanded its social protection system to better support vulnerable individuals and families throughout the life course. The National Social Protection Policy Framework 2023 provides an overarching framework for coordinating social protection measures and ensuring inclusivity, sustainability, and responsiveness. The government continues to provide social assistance through the Senior Citizens benefits scheme, disability benefits scheme, shelter financing initiatives, NGO partnerships, and targeted support programs for vulnerable groups. During the last financial year, approximately 13,000 senior citizens and 2,875 persons with disabilities received social protection benefits, with increased monthly support introduced to strengthen financial security and improve well-being outcomes. Samoa continues to strengthen and expand its social security system through a comprehensive range of support programs that benefit citizens throughout their lives. Beginning in early childhood, children aged 0 to 35 months are supported through the Child Wellbeing Benefit program. This is complemented by free early childhood education for children aged 3 to 4 years and free education from ages 4 to 16, ensuring access to quality education from an early age. At the tertiary level, scholarships are available to support students pursuing higher education. For older persons, Samoa provides a range of social protection measures to enhance their well-being and quality of life. Individuals aged 65 years and over are entitled to free medical checkups, free prescription medications, and free inter-island boat fares. In addition, eligible senior citizens receive the old age pension from the age of 65. Recognising the increased needs of older persons as they age, pensions payments are further increased when beneficiaries reach the age of 70. To further clarify Samoa's child well-being benefit, the program was introduced in July 2026 under Samoa's Early Childhood Development Framework. The program provides a monthly benefit of 100 tala for eligible children. During the critical first 35 months of life, together with a one off newborn grant of 200 Tala, the program seeks not only to… provide financial assistance, but also to strengthen access to health services, nutrition, parenting support, disability services, and child protection interventions. As of October 26, 2026, over 4,800 children had been registered through the program across all 51 districts. Immunization milestones is a key requirement in this program to ensure the right of all children to healthy living. Thank you, Madam Ambassador.

Madam Vice President, I thank you for the opportunity for someone to respond at this point in time.

Thank you very much for these statements. We will now continue with our interactive dialogue, and next I give the floor to Indonesia.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. Indonesia appreciates Samoa's engagement in its UPR. We recommend Samoa's effort to protect human rights, including against the impact of climate change and external shocks. We welcome the second pathway for the development of Samoa and believe its effective implementation will advance the right to development. In this spirit, we encourage Samoa to continue its effort toward ratifying the ICESR. For this session, we further recommend that Samoa first strengthen measures and cooperation to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change on human rights. To support these efforts, we also call on developed countries to scale up climate finance, including adaptation finance, in line with the COP30 outcome. Second, continue its effort to ensure equal access to primary health care, especially in rural areas. Third, continue strengthening the institutional capacity and independence of the Office of the Ombudsman, in accordance with the Paris Principles, including through adequate human, financial, and technical resources. Finally, we wish Samoa a successful review. Thank you, Madam Vice President.

Thank you very much. Next, I give the floor to Iran.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes the delegation of Samoa and thanks for their national report and presentation. We take note of Samoa's continued efforts to promote and protect human rights.

In a constructive spirit, Iran offers three recommendations to Samoa.

One, continue efforts to expand community-based disaster and climate risk management programs, particularly in villages and schools. Two, take effective measures to ensure equitable and inclusive access to online learning platforms for students with disabilities and those living in rural and remote areas. Three, strengthen efforts to improve water supply infrastructure and ensure universal access to safe drinking water. We wish Samoa a successful review. I thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Iraq.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. The delegation of Iraq welcomes the head and members of the delegation of Samoa, and we welcome its efforts in preparing the report under review. We welcome the initiatives and measures taken by Samoa since the last UPR in the field of climate change resilience, particularly. submitting its nationally determined contributions in its third round for 2025, as well as its efforts in social protection for persons with disabilities through the creation of a disability support system in 2024. In a constructive spirit, we would like to recommend the following: First, ratify the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. as well as the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Second, work towards adopting the draft law on child care and protection in such a way as to promote the protection of children from all forms of violence and exploitation. Third, consider the adoption of a dedicated legislation to promote the rights of persons with disabilities in line with Samoa’s obligations under the CRPD. In conclusion, The delegation of Iraq wishes the delegation of Samoa every success in this UPR.

Thank you, Madam Vice President.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Ireland.

Thank you, Madam Vice President.

Ireland warmly welcomes the delegation of Samoa and thanks it for its presentation today.

Ireland acknowledges Samoa's efforts to advance human rights domestically and commends progress made since the last UPR cycle. including the ratification of the International Labour Organization's Convention 190 on violence and harassment in 2024. We welcome Samoa's efforts to promote gender equality in the workplace and the progress made in increasing women's participation in key economic sectors. However, Ireland is concerned by the prevalence of domestic and gender-based violence against women and girls in Samoa, as well as challenges faced by survivors in accessing appropriate protection and support services. We are also concerned by the exposure of children to violence and exploitation, including within the home and community. Ireland recommends that Samoa: 1. Ensure the effective implementation of the Polapui Pui National Prevention Framework for Ending Gender-Based Violence in Samoa, including through adequate resourcing and strengthened support services for survivors.

2.

Decriminalise consensual same-sex relations by repealing relevant provisions of the 2013 Crimes Act.

We wish Samoa every success in this UPR cycle.

I thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Italy.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. We thank Samoa delegation for today's presentation and commend Samoa for adopting the 2024 National Prevention Framework for Ending Gender-Based Violence. We also stress the importance of its implementation and accountability measures to ensure protection of women and girls from all forms of violence. Italy offers Samoa the following recommendations: 1. Adhere to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, with a view to fully abolishing the death penalty; 2. Strengthen the implementation of national strategies to prevent and address gender-based violence, including domestic violence, and ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Three, adopt comprehensive legislation prohibiting all forms of violence against children, including corporal punishment in all settings, and introduce more measures to prevent child labour exploitation. We wish Samoa a very successful review, and I thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Japan.

Thank you, madam Vice President. Japan warmly welcomes the delegation of the independent state of Samoa to this session. We highly appreciate the launch of the pathway for the development of Samoa 2026-2030 PDS2, which carries forward the principle of no one leaving no one behind. We commend its focus on enhancing the delivery of public services to women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. as well as prioritizing access to education, health care, and social protection. We also welcome Samoa's active commitment, engagement with international and regional partners, including UN Women, UNICEF, and ILO, to advance the status of women, protect the rights of children and persons with disabilities, and promote the businesses and human rights agenda. Japan would like to make two recommendations. One, continue to strengthen the rights of women and girls by taking further measures to address domestic and gender-based violence, including by strengthening prevention and victim protection and by bringing perpetrators to justice. And two, strengthen efforts to improve employment for persons with disabilities, including by adopting targeted measures to increase participation of persons with disabilities in the open labor market. We wish the delegation of Samoa every success in this review. I thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Jordan.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. We welcome the friend delegation of Somalia. We wish them full success in this UPR. We commend them for what has been done. in the way of progress, bolstering the national human rights system, including through support for the National Human Rights Institution, the expanding of social protection programs, as well as the insertion or incorporation of human rights into natural disaster and climate change efforts. In a constructive spirit, we recommend the following: continue the strengthening of local communities, in their efforts to adapt to climate change and natural disasters, ensure the participation of women, the youth, and persons with disabilities in the implementation of and creation of relevant policy, and to consolidate mental health care services, supporting all regions, and expanding the cadre of specialized personnel. We encourage this We wish, rather, this friend nation full success in the implementation of the recommendations, strengthening thus the protection of human rights and sustainable development. I thank you kindly.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

Madam Vice President, my delegation warmly welcome the dedication of Samoa to this UPR session. The law PDR takes note of the report presented and commends Samoa for the progress achieved.

In protecting and promoting human rights since the last UPR review.

We welcome Samoa's continuous effort to strengthen its legislative framework in line with the.

International human rights standard and to promote equality, accessibility to justice, and the promotion of human dignity for all. In a constructive spirit, the LOPDHR would like to offer two recommendations.

And continues its effort to advance inclusive skill development and employment opportunity.

For persons with disability to the effective implementation of the National Policy on Community Economic Development 2021-2031.

Second, enhance its efforts to promote women's empowerment and equal participation in political, economic, and public life, including leadership and.

Decision-making positions. With this, I will successfully review.

I thank you, Madam Vice President.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Lesotho.

Thank you, Madam Vice President.

The SOTU welcomes the delegation from Samoa and thanks them for their comprehensive presentation of their national report.

We commend Samoa for their reaffirmed A State has accreditation of the Office of the.

Ombudsman by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, a positive?

Step towards the protection of human rights in Samoa.

In the spirit of constructive dialogue, LITSITO offers to Samoa the following recommendations: 1.

To review electoral laws and policies, including the National Policy on Inclusive Governance, to ensure full disability inclusion and accessibility in voting, polling districts and stations, and political processes. 2.

To take steps to ensure the confidentiality and protection of the personal health.

And rehabilitation information of persons with disabilities, in particular deaf persons, Three, adopt legislative measures to ensure that women with disabilities could retain custody of their children on an equal basis with others by establishing safeguards against family interference, providing disability inclusive parenting support, and adopting measures to eliminate gender and disability stereotypes. Lesotho wishes the independent state of Samoa a successful review.

I thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Malaysia.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. Malaysia welcomes the delegation of Samoa and the presentation of its national report. We commend Samoa for its continued efforts to advance human rights, particularly through the District Development Act 2026, the expansion of social protection benefits, and the initiatives to strengthen health care and prevent gender-based violence. In the spirit of constructive engagement, Malaysia recommends the following: One, strengthen access to quality health care, including sexual and reproductive health services and information, particularly for women and girls in rural and remote areas, and ensure that girls with disabilities have access to accessible, age-appropriate health information and services. Two. Strengthen measures to prevent maternal mortality by improving access to quality maternal health care, including antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care, particularly in rural and remote areas, and enhancing the training and capacity of health care workers. And three, strengthen the legal and policy framework to prevent and address gender-based violence against women and girls, including by ensuring effective implementation of national prevention measures, adequate resources for prevention and victim support services, and survivor-centered access to justice and accountability. We wish Somalia a successful review. Thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Maldives.

Thank you, madam. Thank you, Madam Vice President. The Maldives warmly welcomes the high-level delegation from Samoa to this fourth cycle review and thanks them for their presentation today. The Maldives acknowledges Samoa's continued efforts to align domestic laws with international human rights standards, particularly through legislative reforms. We also welcome Samoa's strong commitment to climate action, as demonstrated by its third Nationally Determined contribution, which sets ambitious targets to reduce national greenhouse gas emission by 2035. In a constructive spirit, the MOLD is present the following recommendations to Samoa. One, further integrate climate resilience into school infrastructure and emergency preparedness plans to ensure continuity of education during natural disasters. Two, strengthen the accessibility of social protection benefits for persons with disabilities, including through simplified registration procedures. We wish our fellows more than you have in state some more successful review. I thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Marshall Islands.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. The Marshall Islands warmly welcomes the delegation of Samoa and thanks them for the presentation of their national report. Talofa lava. We commend Samoa for the progress made since the last UPR cycle, including the appointment of a new ombudsman, the submission of its initial report to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Committee, and the election of a Samoan expert to that committee. As a fellow Pacific state, we also welcome Samoa’s third Nationally Determined Contribution and its efforts to include women youth, and persons with disabilities in climate action, an issue of critical importance and high priority for our region. In the spirit of constructive engagement, we recommend that Samoa: Continue strengthening a human rights-based approach to climate action, including by considering the recognition of the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment in its domestic legal framework. Two, ratify the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. And three, adopt comprehensive legislation on the rights of persons with disabilities in line with the CRPD. We wish the delegation every success during its fourth UPR cycle. Talofa lava fa’afetai and komoalata, I thank you.

Thank you, Excellency. Next, I give the floor to Mauritius through video statement.

Thank you, Chair. Mauritius extends a warm welcome to the delegation of Samoa during this fourth cycle of the UPR. We acknowledge the participation in the UPR, which remains an important mechanism for peer dialogue, accountability, and the exchange of good practice in the promotion and protection of human rights. Other States with vulnerabilities, like Mauritius. We congratulate Samoa for its human rights-based approach to climate action and the right to clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. We also note the progress in the right to health. through strengthened primary health care, expanded surveillance, and targeted immunization recovery. In a constructive spirit, we recommend that Samoa raises the age of criminal responsibility from 10 years to 14 years, in line with the recommendation of the CRC. Adheres to the Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights and adopts laws to incorporate into its national system obligations under human rights instruments. We wish Samoa a successful review. Thank you, Chair.

Thank you, Excellency. And next, I give the floor to Mexico.

Thank you very much, Madam Vice President. We thank Samoa for its presence today and for its report. We recognize its efforts to prevent violence against women and girls, and in particular through the National Framework for Prevention, Pula Puipui, 2024-2026. Constructively and respectfully, Mexico recommends: accession to the main international human rights instruments pending ratification, and this includes the International Covenant for Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. Two, adopt legislative measures necessary to ensure equality in rights between men and women in matters of property, use, and inheritance of land, and this includes lands governed by customary law. Three, adopt a comprehensive legal framework on the rights of persons with disabilities pursuant to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ensuring active participation of persons with disabilities and their respective representative organizations. We wish Samoa success in this UPR cycle. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Mexico. And next, I give the floor to Montenegro.

Thank you, madam Vice President. Montenegro warmly welcomes the distinguished delegation of Samoa and its constructive engagement in the UPR process. We commend Samoa's efforts to strengthen its institutional and legislative framework for human rights, particularly the reaffirmation of Ombudsman's A status accreditation, and encourage further steps to reinforce the office's independence and capacity. While recognizing progress in gender equality, we stress the need to address further women's underrepresentation in political and public life and gender-based violence. We also welcome legislative measures addressing intimate partner violence and rape, while calling for stronger prevention efforts to combat impunity and effective access to justice and support services for victims.

Montenegro recommends that Samoa: 1.

Explicitly include disability among the prohibited grounds of discrimination in national legislation and ensure protection against multiple and intersectional discrimination; and 2. Expedite the adoption of the Child Protection Bill, ensuring its alignment with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. We wish Samoa a very successful review. Thank you.

Thank you, Excellency. Next, I give the floor to Morocco.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. My delegation thanks the distinguished delegation of the Independent State of Samoa for the presentation of its national reports.

Mouoko further commends the efforts of Samoa to protect and promote human rights, including efforts to review legislation related to family law and labor employment relations, including child labor.

In a constructive spirit.

My delegation wishes to make the following three recommendations: consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to Conventions Against Torture; continue efforts toward the enactment and implementation of the Child Care and Protection Bill and strengthen the legislation and policy framework for child protection; take further measures to allocate sufficient human and financial resources to the national human rights institution to allow it to carry out its mandate effectively and independently. We wish Samoa full success in this Universal Periodic Review.

I thank you, madam Vice President.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Namibia.

Thank you, madam Vice President. Namibia extends a warm welcome to the esteemed delegation of Samoa and thanks them for their comprehensive report. We commend Samoa for adopting legislative reforms to align domestic laws with international human rights standards. In the constructive spirit, Namibia offers the following recommendations: 1. Step up efforts to ratify the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; 2. Ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination; and 3. Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and political rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty. We wish Samoa a successful review. Thank you, Madam Vice President.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Naoero.

Madam Vice President and talofa to our friends from Samoa. NADA recognizes and appreciates Samoa's continued efforts to advance human rights and strengthen protection for vulnerable groups, including through strengthening legislation and policies. In the spirit of constructive dialogue, NADA would like to make the following recommendations: improve access to inclusive education, health care, transport, employment, and justice for persons with disabilities, and ensure their organization participate meaningfully in relevant policies and programs. Two, strengthen child protection and education by improving birth registration, particularly in rural and outer island communities, expanding inclusive teacher training, and increasing financial assistance for disadvantaged students. And three, strengthen human rights protection in environmental and climate action by improving hazardous waste management, enforcing plastic regulations, addressing asbestos risks, and ensuring the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities, women, and children in disaster preparedness and climate policies. We wish Samoa a successful review. Tufakerauag and malo.

Thank you very much. Next, I give the floor to Sri Lanka.

Thank you, Madam Vice President.

Sri Lanka welcomes the delegation of the Independent State of Samoa and appreciates the constructive engagement with this Council. We positively note that Samoa has recently ratified the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health, ILO Convention 2026, and the Violence and Harassment, ILO Convention 2019. We welcome the commitment by the Government of Samoa to ratify the International Convention on the Protection of Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families by 2030. In a constructive spirit, Sri Lanka recommends that Samoa continues to strengthen ongoing measures to improve primary health care and community-based health service delivery. further promote gender equality and combat gender-based violence through the effective implementation of the Pola Puipui National Prevention Framework for ending gender-based violence in Samoa. We wish the independent state of Samoa success in its UPR engagement. Thank you.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Sierra Leone.

Madam Vice President, Sierra Leone extends a very warm welcome to Your Excellency.

Ambassador Tavita Levy and the delegation of the Independent State of Samoa and thanks them for presenting the national report. In a constructive spirit and in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4.

And the right to education, Sierra Leone makes the following recommendations: 1. Further strengthening the legal and policy framework to ensure that all children can access quality, free education; 2.

Consider amending national legislation to guarantee at least one year of free and compulsory pre-primary education for all children. Three, consider amending national legislation to ensure 12 years of free pre-primary and secondary education in fulfilling its SDG 4 commitment. And four, consider removing all financial barriers to education to ensure that children from disadvantaged and low-income households have equal access.

Sierra Leone commends Samoa's efforts to improve access to.

Education and welcomes the legal provisions ensuring compulsory pre-primary and primary and secondary education. Sierra Leone is interested in the fee waiver mechanisms available to families experiencing financial hardship. To further advance the rights to education for all children, Sierra Leone encourages Samoa to continue its efforts to ensure universal access to free, compulsory education at all levels.

Of the basic education system.

Seylon wishes the independent state of Samoa every success in this review, and I thank you, Madam Vice President.

Thank you. Next, I give the floor to Seychelles.

Thank you, Madam Vice President.

Seychelles warmly welcomes the delegation from Samoa and thanks it for its comprehensive presentation of its national report. We commend Samoa for the continued engagement with the UPR process, which is a clear.

Indication of its commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights in Samoa. In the spirit of constructive dialogue, Seychelles offers to Samoa the following recommendations: 1. Consider adopting legislative efforts to extend the competence of the Ombudsman to conduct unannounced visits to all places of persons deprived of liberty and include monitoring on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. And two, adopt comprehensive legislations and policies to address intersectional discrimination against women and girls with disabilities. and ensure the systematic mainstreaming of disability across frameworks on gender equality and the prevention of violence.

Seychelles wishes Samoa a successful review.

Thank you, Madam Vice President.

Thank you very much, Excellency. And next, I give the floor to Brazil.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. Brazil warmly welcomes the delegation of the Independent State of Samoa. We commend Samoa for the adoption of its National Policy for Persons with Disabilities 2021-2031 and for its continued engagement with the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, marking important steps towards ensuring inclusive and equitable access to public services. Furthermore, we encourage Samoa to adopt policies ensuring equitable access to government information for journalists and human rights defenders. In a constructive spirit, Brazil recommends that Samoa ensure full respect for freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the right to profess, practice, or not profess a religion, and align all legislative and administrative measures with its international human rights obligations. And second, to adopt measures to enhance women's representation in parliament and traditional representative bodies, thereby promoting the full and effective participation in political and public life. We wish Samoa a successful review. Thank you.

Hi, thank you. Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, this was the last speaker on my list for this review. I will now give the floor to the delegation of Samoa to address observations and comments that have been raised and also to make final remarks.

Excellency, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, madam Vice President. There were some comments and observations on migrant workers and labor related matters, and I invite my colleague Tafunga to expand on that.

Thank you, madam Ambassador. As mentioned earlier, Samoa has rectified nine of 10 core International Labor Organization conventions. Samoa has not ratified the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of their Families. However, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (MCIIL) has regulated the terms and conditions for assessing and issuing foreign employment permits (FEIP) under LIRA and regulations. In addition, The fee policy strengthens implementation and enforcement to protect rights of the foreign employees. Enforcing LERA will ensure all foreigners employed by locals or other foreigners hold employment permits for their legal protection. Employment terms and conditions apply equally to both local and foreign employees. For Samoan citizens working on overseas employment schemes, the labour and employment The Export Program LEAP Division have existing policy and strategies to guide and protection of Samoan citizens applying for seasonal work. Samoa maintains an unyielding commitment to promoting and protecting fundamental labour standards both in law and in practice. This includes international labour law with human rights standards, and it's important to highlight the same. The Labour and Employment Relations Act 2013, LERA, explicitly incorporates the principles of freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining. These are treated as foundational employment principles applicable across private, non-governmental, and state-owned enterprises. The Labour Employment Relations Amendment Act in 2023, which entered into force on the 5th of February 2024, was explicitly passed to modernise Samoa's employment framework and align national legislation closer with international labour standards. The amendments strengthened workers' rights by refining dispute and grievance processes, establishing clear statutory protocols for addressing unfair employment practices, and redefining the operational role of labour inspectors to better monitor compliance. In terms of mandatory employment agreements for extended service, the 2023 legislative amendment introduced a strict statutory requirement regarding contracts of service. Under the revised framework, any employment arrangement or contract of service intended for a duration of more than two months must be formalised through written employment agreement. This measure directly protects the workers by ensuring their essential terms, conditions, and rights including the freedom to organize, and are also legal binding, transparent, and enforceable from the onset of their employment. Under the LIRA framework, anti-union discrimination and employer interference in worker organizations are prohibited, securing the baseline protections as mandated on ILO Convention number 98. In full alignment with the principles of social dialogue and tripartism, Samoa operates a functional Samoa National Trade Forum, or SNTF. This high-level body comprises representatives of government ministries and agencies, representatives of workers' associations, and representatives of employers. The SNTF serve as a primary vehicle for collectively brokering labour policies, minimum wages reviews, and legislative amendments. The LIRA framework provides accessible, state-backed avenues for workers to file complaints and grievances. Through MCO, workers can access conciliation services, conciliation committees, and specialised arbitration pathways to resolve industrial disputes without fear of reprisal or retaliatory termination. In terms of broader strategic commitments, There is a continuous legal and regulatory awareness program undertaken by MCL to implement educational campaigns on a layer of framework. These nationwide programs purposely blanket both employers and workers across various industries. The primary objective is twofold, ensuring that employers proactively align their workplace terms and operation conditions with the updated legal parameters and empowering workers with comprehensive knowledge of their labour rights, including freedom of association and mechanisms available to enforce them. Samoa Workers Congress, established under Samoa National Tripartite Forum, has been very active in ensuring workers' rights are recognised and taken on board in all working relationships with employers and government. Currently, there is a review of Shipping Act 1998, whereby seafarers rights under Maritime Labour Convention 2006 are adopted. It was not long ago the world maritime trade was affected with impact of COVID-19 pandemic, especially the seafarers being stranded and unable to take shore leave, and subsequently ILO through International Transport Federation officially recognized seafarers as key workers, just like nurses or health workers. So, I'm a seafarers and maritime association and other workers' union have collectively contributed in such review. Samoa has ratified ILO Conventions on Violence and Harassment, C190, in 2024, and has been effectively implemented through following legislative review and policy development. One, Labour and Employment Relations Act, LERA, 2013, with its amendments. Two, the proposed review of Occupational Safety Health Act, 2002. Three, the ongoing development of national OSH policy. And four, the ongoing review of Public Service Act 2004. As an active member of ILO, Samoa has ratified nine of ten fundamental conventions, including C87, C98. Samoa consistently participates in international accountability mechanisms, including the recurrent discussion on tripartism, 114th session of the ILO Labour Conventions in 2026 to continuously gauge and enhance its domestic compliance. Samoa notes that the legislative updates of 2023, paired with the structural enforcement parameters by 2025 regulations, provide a more legally robust environment that fully honours, guarantees, and protects workers' freedom of association and and collective bargaining capabilities. Thank you, Madam Ambassador.

And on issues relating to access to justice, implementation of the Convention against Torture and Trafficking, Madam Laulu Elsayah, if you could expand on that. Thank you.

Thank you, Ambassador. Madam Vice President, I would like to respond to several issues raised with regards to access to justice. Ensuring equal access to justice remains a national priority for Samoa. Since the third UBR cycle, Samoa has strengthened its access to justice through the launch of the Legal Aid Policy 2026-2031, which aimed at expanding legal assistance for vulnerable and marginalized groups. Legal aid is a cornerstone of Samoa's justice system and is grounded in Article 9, bracket 4, bracket C of the Constitution, which guarantees legal assistance where the interest of justice required. In 2026, government funding for legal aid increased significantly from 250,000 talo to 600,000 talo annually, demonstrating Samoa's commitment to ensuring that all persons, regardless of their financial circumstances, can access legal representation and remedies. This commitment is further reinforced under the PDS II 2026-2031, which prioritizes equitable access to justice for disadvantaged and marginalized groups. Samoa has also strengthened protection for victims of domestic violence through the implementation of Family Safety Act 2013, which provides protection orders, strengthened police powers, and promotes a coordinated victim-centered response. While challenges remain, including underreporting, stigma, cultural barriers, and resource constraints, Samoa remains committed to enhancing implementation, strengthening institutional capacity, expanding victim support services, and increasing community awareness to ensure greater protection and access to justice for all. With regards to torture, Madam Vice President, Samoa remains firmly committed to the promotion and protection of human rights, and to the prevention of torture and other cruel, inhuman treatment or punishment. Since acceding to the Convention, Samoa has undertaken a number of measures to strengthen compliance with its international obligations. These include targeted capacity building, initiatives for law enforcement, and justice sector officials. Since the third cycle, approximately 100 new police recruits received human rights rights-focused trainings, while police officers, judicial officers, and justice sector personnel participated in specialized trainings on non-coercive investigative interviewing techniques and the use of video-recorded interviews. These initiatives, supported by the development partners, contribute to reducing the risk of ill-treatment during arrest, questioning, and detention. In the education sector, the Education Act 2009 prohibited corporal punishment and any form of harmful or humiliating discipline in school. The Education Amendment Act 2016 retained protection for students while providing limited authority for secondary school teachers to use reasonable force only in specific circumstances, such as preventing injury, preventing criminal conduct, protecting property, or managing serious disruptive behavior. The legislation expressly prohibits the use of objects to inflict force with such conduct constituting a criminal offense under the Criminal Act, 2013. Madam Vice President, in response to issues relating to human trafficking, the monitoring and enforcement relating to labor exploitation and trafficking are undertaken under the Immigration Act and relevant labor and criminal justice framework. While Samoa has not recorded any prosecuted cases of trafficking in persons to date, cases involving labor exploitation has been identified, underscoring the need for continued vigilance, prevention, and capacity building. As a Pathfinder country under Alliance 8.7, Samoa has demonstrated its commitment to eliminating child labor, forced labor, modern slavery, and human trafficking. This commitment is reflected in the Samoa National Strategy and Action Plan towards the Elimination of Child Labour in All Forms, which provides a coordinated framework to protect children from economic exploitation and harmful labour practices. Despite these efforts, Samoa continues to face challenges, including limited technical expertise and resources for trafficking in persons investigations, the absence of trafficking-specific prosecution experience, and the need for enhanced victim identification and referral systems. As a small island development state with significant labor mobility, Samoa remains vulnerable to exploitation risks that require sustained national and international cooperation. Thank you, Madam Ambassador.

And Ms. Ana will outline Samoa's NMRF and national coordination of human rights treaty body work.

Thank you, Madam Ambassador. Madam Vice President, distinguished delegates, I am pleased to share our experience and provide additional information on the Human Rights Task Force of Samoa. Samoa has a National Mechanism for the Implementation, Reporting, and Follow-up, NMIRF, task force established in 2016. The task force is responsible for the implementation of Samoa's international obligations on human rights, coordination and preparation of Samoa's reports to the treaty bodies, engagement in the reviews of its national reports, and coordination of country visits by special procedures. Furthermore, the task force is also responsible for the tracking and follow-up of the implementation of the recommendations of UPR and the treaty bodies. SADATA is a web application designed to help Samoa guide implementation and reporting on human rights obligations. It maps out the UPR recommendations and also includes the SDGs and Samoa's development framework, the pathway for the development of Samoa. Capacity building and ongoing training is necessary for the Task Force Secretariat and officials in using and updating CEDATA. This is a key challenge given capacity constraints, competing work commitments, staff turnover, as well as unavailability at times of data and information. As mentioned in our opening statement, there is the burden of reporting under the multiple human rights treaty bodies. To address these challenges, we endeavoured to align the different human rights reporting processes as much as possible to save time and resources. As a practical example, for Samoa’s UPR and ICCPR reports this year, consultations for both reports were undertaken at the same time with all the key stakeholders. We also used existing recent national reports and relevant consultations. In terms of cooperation with OHCHR and the Human Rights Council, technical support from OHCHR was provided to the Task Force on Samoa's reports to the treaty bodies recently for the preparation of the reviews by the CRPD and CED committees, which took place this year in March. Samoa has a standing invitation to all special procedures of the Human Rights Council. The government facilitated this visit of the Special Rapporteur on toxic waste in 2024 with support from the OHCHR. Through this process, all relevant governments and civil society stakeholders were engaged to raise awareness on the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. The collaboration of the government in this process was commended in the Special Rapporteur's report for excellent cooperation and invitation. Progress made since the visit and report includes, in July this year, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment launched the new Tafainata Landfill weighbridge with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency. Under the same project, a concept plan has been developed for the extension of the Tafainata landfill, which is approaching the limits of its remaining capacity. This is an important planning milestone. Under the SWAP project funded by AFD, 60,000 liters of used oil is to be exported overseas for treatment and disposal in early 2027. Government has also signed three MOUs with external partners to strengthen waste recovery and recycling. Thank you, Madam Ambassador.

Madam Vice President, Article 13 of Samoa's constitution protects freedom of speech and expression. This freedom extends beyond the media. It enables individuals to exchange ideas, debate public affairs, and participate in decisions affecting their lives, with access to information forming an integral part of its exercise. Samoa remains committed to protecting freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom in accordance with the constitution and its international obligations. human rights obligations. The government recognizes the important role of the media in promoting transparency, accountability, and public participation, and continues to provide official information through various channels to support fair and equal access for media organizations. Madam Vice President, we have now come to the end of Our exchange, on behalf of the Prime Minister of Samoa, the Honorable La'ulua Leumale'iu Toa, Leuotea Polatai Vao Fose-Schmidt, the government, and the people of the independent state of Samoa, I thank you for guiding our discussion today and for your leadership of the Human Rights Council. I acknowledge with appreciation the work of the Choika of Samoa's fourth UPR, Malawi, the Republic of Korea, and Switzerland. I also thank the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the UPR Division, and the UPR Regional Advisor for the Pacific, Ms. Yao Zhang, the Commonwealth Secretariat, Mr. Yash Nain, and Mr. Phumlani Dlamini for their support throughout this review. I thank all delegations that took the floor for their interactive engagement and thoughtful recommendations. Samoa has listened carefully to the recommendations and observations made today, and I assure you, Madam Vice President, of Samoa's continued commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights. The recommendations made today will be carefully considered through our national mechanism for implementation, reporting, and follow-up, and in consultation with the relevant line ministries and other stakeholders. We recognize that further progress is needed, As with other small island nations, capacity and resource constraints remain practical challenges to implementation. They do not diminish our commitment to advance human rights. We look forward to strengthening partnerships and welcome technical assistance and support from our partners to help translate recommendations into practical and sustainable progress. We acknowledge the valuable contribution of Samoa’s National Human Rights Institution and of civil society and community partners to the preparation of our national report. Their continued engagement is essential to ensuring that follow-up is inclusive and responsive to the experiences of the people we serve. Samoa remains committed to the Universal Periodic Review and to the constructive dialogue and cooperation it makes possible. Our shared task is to translate this engagement into meaningful improvements in the enjoyment of human rights for all people in Samoa, including those in vulnerable situations. I thank you very much, Madam Vice President. Thank you.

Your Excellency, thank you very much to you and the delegation of Samoa for the presentation and participation in this review, and also for the warm words to the Secretariat and to myself. The report of the review will be prepared by the members of the Troika, namely the representatives of Malawi, the Republic of Korea, and Switzerland. In accordance with the procedure implemented in 2015, the recommendations section of the report is scheduled for distribution by e-mail on Thursday, 5 November, at 6:00 PM. In addition, let me recall that according to President's statement PRS/OS/19/1 adopted on December 8, 2025, the recommendations section of all reports of the working group will be considered for adoption on Friday, November 13, in the last meeting of the session from 2:30 PM. The full report, including the summary section, will be distributed by e-mail on Friday, November 20, 2026. This brings us to the end of our meeting. We will reconvene this afternoon at 2:30 PM for the review of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Speaking time this afternoon will be one minute and 55 seconds for all delegations. Inscribed speakers who wish to withdraw from the list are kindly invited to use the online system event for withdrawals at least 30 minutes before the start of the review. I hereby close the third meeting of the 53rd session of the Working Group on Universal Periodic Review.