United Nations in Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tokelau

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Samoa:

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09 April 2021

Samoa votes!

Polling was orderly and the queues good natured as Samoa began its day of national elections. Those who had voted already were proud to show off their purple thumbs – the result of indelible ink marked on those who have already gone to a polling station and voted - and a clear indication that someone has participated in a vital function of democratic governance. More than 128,000 Samoans are eligible to vote and voting is compulsory. There are 192 candidates standing, of whom 22 are women, contesting 51 seats for a five-year term in the legislative assembly. This election will see some changes to the electoral laws, which are aimed at improving transparency. Some of these changes include pre-polling for the elderly and disabled, and changes to the rules regarding political candidates transporting and feeding voters heading to the polls. Preliminary results of the election are likely to be announced tonight.

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10 February 2021

Drug use is a health issue – we need to decriminalize

Earlier this month, and in December 2020 the government conducted operations that resulted in the confiscation of a total of 1,400 grams of methamphetamine at the border, smuggled from the US. The law enforcement officials (from the Ministry of Customs and Revenue and the Ministry of Police and Prisons) that intercepted these drugs deserve congratulations for their professionalism and skill. Meth is destructive and harmful - and it is good to see this potential threat removed from the community. As small as this bust is by global standards, 1,400 grams in a couple of months is a record for Samoa (there were only two convictions for methamphetamine possession in Samoa in 2017). Perhaps it is inevitable that we will see an increase in seizures. As COVID-19 ravishes the economy and exacerbates inequality, some may look to less than legal means to supplement their dwindling incomes, and drug use is known to increase in communities facing economic hardship. Governments need to work to reduce drug consumption – especially with respect to more harmful substances like meth and opioids, which have devastated poor communities around the world. For example, there were more than 67,000 overdose deaths in the US alone in 2018. Thankfully, so far, Samoa has avoided this degree of harm. But while it is sometimes tempting to “crack down” (no pun intended) in the face of an emerging perceived threat, we must resist the urge to increase legal penalties. We should be decriminalizing drug use and possession. Drugs are a serious health and social issue, not a moral one. Reducing consumption requires a health and socially focused response, not moral panic. This must include carefully thought out laws that emphasize prevention, education and harm reduction. We need properly funded community based support services that help and protect vulnerable people, and assist them in escaping degrading and difficult circumstances. Stopping drug use will not be achieved through hastily drafted legislation that further criminalizes addiction. By discouraging the demand for drugs, we can actually be more effective in tackling drug trafficking and putting an end to the human suffering caused by increased consumption. This is not just my opinion – but the official policy of the United Nations, the Global Commission on Drug Policy, and multiple governments around the world. Canada, the Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland, and numerous Australian and US states are among the many jurisdictions that have embraced the global trend towards less repression of drug users. A recent example of this is New Zealand’s 2019 Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill, which gives police discretion to take a health-centred approach rather than prosecuting those in possession of drugs. Since its enactment in 1967, Samoa’s Narcotics Act has only been amended twice, in 2006 and 2009 respectively. An official report in 2017 says that these amendments “were inadequate to address the prevalence of drug-related issues in Samoa and the new developments in the evolving drug environment.” There is a clear need to reform Samoa’s ancient drug legislation, but we must reform in line with the best available evidence. Tougher prison sentences have not been shown to deter possession, reduce offending or diminish the social or health issues associated with drug use. They have only been shown to intensify and complicate these problems. Calling for decriminalization is by no means an endorsement of drug use – but an appeal to look towards the evidence. Samoa has been a willing participant in the global “war on drugs” – adopting the broken criminalization model for more than 50 years. (If you are fighting a “war” for more than five decades and you haven’t “won,” you need to reassess your strategy.) Prohibition has only succeeded in creating an illegal market ruled by violence, corruption and insecurity. Samoa must adopt better practices and distance itself from the failings of this ideologically-driven approach. Originally published as an op-ed by Simona Marinescu, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, and Tokelau - in the Samoa Observer - 10 February 2021.

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02 February 2021

UN will review Samoa’s human rights record this year

The Geneva based Human Rights Council will conduct its third “Universal Periodic Review” (UPR) of Samoa’s progress on protecting and enforcing human rights at a special meeting to be held later this year. The UPR is a routine process by which the Human Rights Council, (an intergovernmental body made up of 47 United Nations Member States elected by the UN General Assembly), cross-examines government officials on their rights record. Samoa’s third UPR will take place in November 2021 most likely via video link. A series of reports will be submitted to the Council including from the United Nations, the independent Human Rights Institution in the Office of the Ombudsman, the government, NGOs and civil society. These will detail the official and public perception of how human rights are enforced in the country – and where access to rights is lacking. The UN in Samoa is writing its report now, to be submitted by 25 March. Samoan individuals and organizations will also have an opportunity to submit to the Human Rights Council during this UPR find out how here. The reports and the review will reflect on progress made since the last UPR (in 2016) that made 129 recommendations. Ninety one (73 percent) of these recommendations were “supported” by the Government of Samoa, while 38 were “noted.” Additionally, the reports will highlight any emerging issues from the 2016 UPR that affected or have the potential to affect people’s full exercise of human rights. They will include an analysis of whether or not Samoa is aligned with international standards on human rights, and how well Samoa is doing in terms of protecting and enforcing the rights of children, women, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQI community as a result of the ratification of five major human rights treaties, including: The Universal Declaration on Human Rights The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights The Convention on the Rights of the Child The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Samoa’s Constitution guarantees certain fundamental human rights, including the right to life, personal liberty, a fair trial, religious freedom, freedom of speech, freedom from inhumane treatment, freedom from forced labour, freedom of assembly and free association, freedom of movement and residence, individual rights regarding property, and freedom from discriminatory legislation. However, while the country’s rights record is generally well respected on a global level, the last review noted several issues remain. Of prominent note was the fact that gender equality advances at a low pace due to Samoa’s patriarchal culture, and women’s poor access to employment, property, credit and bank loans. The review also urged the government to act urgently to reduce gender-based violence – which continues to occur at high levels. Other challenges likely to feature in the upcoming review include the measles crisis in 2019, which may have highlighted inequalities in the provision of healthcare, and the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 in 2020 and the resulting increase in inequality and poverty. Progress on reporting on ratified treaties as well as recent legislative changes including the package of laws adopted in 2020 (the Land and Titles Court Bill 2020, the Judicature Amendment Bill 2020 and the Constitution Amendment Bill 2020) will also be analyzed in the UN report from a human rights perspective. This is will be the third time that Samoa’s rights record has been reviewed through this process, with previous reviews occurring in 2011 and 2016. In preparation of the UPR report, the Government of Samoa launched on 27 January national consultations with key duty bearers in a meeting of the National Mechanism on Implementation Reporting and Follow Up that reviewed the process of development of the national report to the HRC, which is due on 9 August. Find out how to make a submission on behalf of yourself or your organization.

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31 May 2022

The UN congratulates Samoa on the celebration of its 60th Anniversary of Independence

On behalf of the United Nations Secretary-General and the United Nations in Samoa, I am pleased to convey our congratulations to the Government and the people of Samoa on the occasion of the country’s 60th anniversary of independence on 1 June 2022. It is with great honor that, as UN Country Team, we celebrate with the Government and the people of Samoa six decades of transformation and progress that built a strong foundation for a brighter future for all. As the first Pacific nation to gain its independence in 1962, Samoa has served as a great model of determination and commitment to bettering the lives of its people and advancing sustainable development on its islands and in the region. In 1976, Samoa joined the United Nations fully embracing the Charter and the values of the organization and bringing the voice of the people of the Pacific on the global stage. Over the last 60 years, Samoa has greatly advanced to graduate from a Least- Developed to a Mid-Income Country in 2014, achieve most of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015, adopt the Sustainable Development Goals in national plans and present, to date, two Voluntary National Review reports to the High-Level Political Forum under the auspices of the ECOSOC. In line with its commitment to a global approach to challenges facing Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Samoa continues to operate as the custodian of the Small Island Developing States’ development agenda - the so-called SAMOA Pathway - and co-chair the Steering Committee on Partnerships for Small Island Developing States together with Portugal. As the longest serving UN organization in Samoa, UNDP has been an important partner to the Government and the people of Samoa on their successful journey in meeting the MDGs and implementing the 2030 Agenda. UNDP is proud to have worked with the Government of Samoa in strengthening its resilience by enhancing the climate change adaptation of its communities, infrastructure and institutions. The organization has supported Samoa in increasing its access to renewable energy solutions, providing sustainable livelihood options to the poorest and most vulnerable families, with particular focus on economically empowering women. UNDP has also contributed to fostering good governance, gender equality, poverty reduction and digital transformation in Samoa. UNDP and the UN remain committed to helping Samoa accelerate its efforts to attain its development aspirations and achieve the Global Goals. In 60 years of independence, Samoa has solidified its democracy and social cohesion including through steady progress in gender equality and ensuring that all of its citizens can enjoy equally the rights and freedoms attained. Specifically, Samoa has much to celebrate in progressing women in leadership – and we congratulate the Government and the people of Samoa for putting in place measures to balance the scales for women in leadership – setting a standard for the Pacific region as a whole. Acknowledging the country’s commitment to ending violence against women and girls, UN Women stands ready to continue its partnership with all actors in Samoa and, most importantly, with the civil society and the community for a peaceful and inclusive future that protects women’s rights and fosters women’s empowerment. The UN Human Rights Office commends Samoa’s commitment to promoting and protecting human rights, including the ratification of six out of the nine core international human rights treaties, the establishment of the Samoa Ombudsman’s Office, which is the only National Human Rights Institution among Pacific Island Countries accredited with A-status, an independent judiciary which upholds the rule of law, and the increasing representation of women in political life. The UN Human Rights Office looks forward to continued cooperation with the government, NHRI, civil society organizations and people of Samoa, including to support the implementation of recommendations received during the third Universal Periodic Review in November 2021. In 2005, Samoa became member of the International Labour Organization, capacity in which it ratified all 8 Core Fundamental Conventions by 2008. In 2009, Samoa established its National Tripartite Forum (SNTF) and the compilation of the Tripartite Forum was included at the time in the newly adopted Labour Employment Relation Act. In addition, to ensure inclusive policy decision-making in a tripartite format, Samoa ratified in 2018 ILO Convention #144 on Tripartite Consultation. This has institutionalized the operation of the Samoa Tripartite system that became best practice of Tripartism and Governance in the Pacific. Samoa continues to make an outstanding achievement in most of its country programmes with upgrading and modernizing labour legislations and regulations, development of required policies including employment policy, guidelines and compliance with International Labour Standards. Samoa is an exceptional member state with its Decent Work Country Programmes (DWCP) since 2008, with the third DWCP to be adopted in 2022 in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027. Samoa’s membership in the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and its commitment to rights have been instrumental in bringing the CRC for the 84th session in Samoa in 2020, the first ever meeting of a treaty body to take place outside Geneva or New York. The 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child that was celebrated in Samoa in March 2020 provided the extraordinary opportunity to the CRC members to meet with the children of Samoa and listen to their vision of the country’s future. UNICEF is proud to work hand in hand with the Government of Samoa in providing quality immunization services to children and full coverage of various childhood vaccines against vaccine preventable diseases while strengthening infrastructure, human and institutional capacities in the health sector for better quality of life. UNICEF and WHO have worked closely with the Government of Samoa in the response to the current COVID-19 pandemic through adequate health security measures and vaccination coverage which now stands at above 90 per cent. Samoa’s inspiring journey over the last 60 years represents exemplary fortitude of its people and vision of its leadership – and on this joyous day, the World Food Programme commends the Government and the people of Samoa on its progress. Since 2015, we are proud to have been collaborating on strengthening Samoa’s national capacities in logistics and emergency telecommunications to prevent, mitigate and prepare for natural disasters and build resilience in the country- especially after Tropical Cyclone Gita in 2018, a time that brought the resoluteness of the nation to the fore. Together today, we are securing the healthcare workers who are on the frontlines of the pandemic and breaking ground by pioneering data-driven decision-making for social protection policies against the threats of food insecurity. As the COVID-19 pandemic compounds the impacts of climate change, WFP remains strongly committed to the Government of Samoa and to serving the people through these unprecedented times and beyond to build a resilient future for all. On the festive occasion of Samoa’s 60 anniversary of independence, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) commends the Government of Samoa for the progress achieved in the areas of food security, nutrition, and rural development. The results have been made possible through building the evidence base and the capacities needed for high quality policy-making, strengthening animal and plant protection, and boosting agricultural productivity and marketing in the face of climate change. The country’s success in 2015 in being declared one of the 40 countries that have halved Hunger rates within 30 years, despite a cyclone hitting that same year, speaks of Samoa’s tenacity in fighting the odds and carving a better future for its people. FAO stands strong in its commitment to serving Samoa and its people through a continued fruitful collaboration and a solid partnership for food and nutrition. UNFPA’s partnership with the Government of Samoa on the issue of reproductive health goes back to 1971 with assistance in conducting multi behavioral change, family health and safety surveys on family planning and sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) as well as building capacities of health service providers in delivering effective SRHR, Family Planning, Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health services. The UN was a partner in a Maternal Child Health and Family Planning Programme launched in Samoa and geared primarily to improve the health of mothers and children as well as to counter rising population problems. It has provided valuable maternal and children health services, community education on population issues and improved access to safe contraception methods. The UN continues its collaboration with the Government of Samoa in the development of district plans which provide an inclusive platform for inclusive engagement of youth, empowerment of women, and strengthening the integration of SRHR related Universal Periodic Review recommendations and Nairobi summit commitments on the ground. As a longstanding partner of Samoa, UNESCO extends its congratulations on the Independence Day of Samoa, a day that is a symbol of freedom from colonization. UNESCO and the entire UN team join the Government of Samoa in paying homage to the Samoan women and men who struggled for freedom and peace. UNESCO stands with you to acknowledge the progressive achievements that the country has claimed in extending the universal rights to education, fundamental freedom and public health, and ensuring the well-being of Samoans and its long-term and temporary residents. The Organization also commends the progress the country has been making in protecting history and developing the gagana Sāmoa and advancing its culture. At a time SIDS’ vulnerabilities deepen in the face of adverse global economic conditions and rapidly advancing climate change, the United Nations stands with the people of Samoa and the Pacific to safeguard life in harmony with nature through solidarity and respect for human rights and freedoms. Matou te talosia se lumana’i manuia mo Samoa, e filemu ma tamaoaiga! Folau ma le Faatuatua Happy Independence Day, Samoa! We look forward to celebrating together throughout the year Samoa’s great journey of independence and development and our partnership for peace and prosperity for all. Simona Marinescu UN Resident Coordinator The United Nations Country Team

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07 May 2022

Empowering midwives to provide a safe world for pregnant mothers and newborn babies.| Celebrating midwives.

The International Day of the Midwife, celebrated globally on May 5th each year, is a reminder of the difference that midwives make behind the scenes, to bring precious lives into our world. Midwives, ensure that every woman receives support and care during pregnancy, labour and birth. The midwives in Samoa and the crucial role they play, deserves a standing ovation. The commitment to empower current and aspiring midwives any where in the world, including Samoa, is a promise of the United Nations delivered on by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the agency that ensures the positive impact of high-quality midwifery care on the sexual and reproductive health of women and families. Midwives contribute significantly to improve sexual, reproductive, maternal, and newborn health and reducing maternal and newborn mortality. It is why education and training for midwives is a priority. UNFPA, together with the Government of Samoa have shown great commitment to educate and empower current and a new generation of midwives under the Transformative Agenda (TA) programme. The TA, funded by the Australian Government, aims to reduce unmet need for family planning through various interventions. One of these interventions is the National Midwifery Curricula that has been revised and updated to reflect the focus on midwifery services under evolving circumstances and unprecedented health events. With technical assistance from the Burnet Institute, UNFPA, the Ministry of Health, School of Nursing of the National University of Samoa, Samoa Nurses Association and Samoa Family Health Association, has ensured that the National Midwifery Curriculum aligns with global standards on family planning, adolescent sexual and reproductive health, the needs of persons with disabilities and addressing violence against women. Samoa envisions a cohort of midwives, successfully completing midwifery courses under the revised curriculum, armed with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to work effectively, reducing maternal and newborn mortality, and improving the health and well-being of women, families and communities. It is another step for Samoa to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and towards a healthier and more prosperous economy.
-ends- The wider impact of safe and effective, sexual reproductive health and midwifery Around 27 per cent of women have an unmet need for family planning—that is, she wants to delay pregnancy or does not want to get pregnant but is not using any contraception. They empower women and adolescent girls by providing them information and services on sexual and reproductive health including family planning. Moreover, the rate of adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 years giving birth in Samoa is 55 births per 1000 girls. This is important, because when a girl becomes pregnant, her health is endangered, her education and job prospects are damaged, and she becomes more vulnerable to poverty and exclusion. These numbers, especially in the context of the extraordinary challenges the world is currently facing—including the health and economic crises resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, impacts of climate change, and, in the case of small island states such as Samoa, the additional threat of natural disasters—underscore the need for investing in health and well-being through midwives. The effects of quality midwifery extend beyond maternal and child health. Evidence shows that beyond preventing maternal and newborn deaths, quality midwifery care improves over 50 other health-related outcomes, including in sexual and reproductive health and immunization. As countries around the world work towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—a set of 17 goals for a more sustainable future for all to be achieved by 2030—a common focus is health. Without healthy populations, economies cannot be productive and thrive. About UNFPA: UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Our mandate is more crucial and central to global development in the era of the 2020 Agenda for Sustainable Development, underpinned by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. UNFPA expands the possibilities for women and young people to lead healthy and productive lives. *This story was developed based on the Op-Ed produced by UNFPA.

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30 April 2022

Spotlight Initiative prepares for next phase.

The United Nations Resident Coordinators Office organized consultations with government and civil society partners to prepare the Spotlight Initiative Samoa programme for its next phase. The first phase of the Spotlight Initiative started in 2020 and was completed by December 2021.However due to internal and unforeseen external challenges including the covid 19 pandemic and the general elections of 2021, the implementation period for the first phase was extended to be completed by June 2022. The next phase is from July 2022 to December 2023. The planning of relevant activities, resources and results aspired to be achieved by December 2023 was the gist of the conversations with key government ministries and civil society organizations who have mandates and capacity to work in the gender based violence space on Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th April, 2022 at the Taumeasina Island Resort. In a spiritual encouragement offered by Paulo Sepuloni, violence is not a way of God and in the Spotlight Initiative programme, we must not divert away from our religious values to trust in the ways of God, but not of our own. The Resident Representative for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Mr. Jorn Sorensen reminded the civil society organisations of the essential and crucial role they play to achieve the vision of the European Union and the United Nations behind the Spotlight Initiative, which is to end all forms of violence against women and girls. The new Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development Dr. Mema Motusaga reaffirmed the support of the Ministry to ensure, that if the direction in phase was blur then way forward for significant results in phase 2 will be more cleared. The Resident Coordinator Simona Marinescu emphasised the importance of collective efforts to ensure that the Spotlight Initiative contributes to achieving smaller numbers of women and girls who become victims of domestic and intimate partner violence. For more information on the consultations. Consultation with CSO Consultation with Government partners.

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04 April 2022

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report, is a litany of broken climate promises.| UN Secretary General

The jury has reached a verdict. And it is damning. This report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is a litany of broken climate promises. It is a file of shame, cataloguing the empty pledges that put us firmly on track towards an unlivable world. We are on a fast track to climate disaster: Major cities under water. Unprecedented heatwaves. Terrifying storms. Widespread water shortages. The extinction of a million species of plants and animals. This is not fiction or exaggeration. It is what science tells us will result from our current energy policies. We are on a pathway to global warming of more than double the 1.5-degree limit agreed in Paris. Some government and business leaders are saying one thing – but doing another. Simply put, they are lying. And the results will be catastrophic. This is a climate emergency. Climate scientists warn that we are already perilously close to tipping points that could lead to cascading and irreversible climate impacts. But high-emitting governments and corporations are not just turning a blind eye; they are adding fuel to the flames. They are choking our planet, based on their vested interests and historic investments in fossil fuels, when cheaper, renewable solutions provide green jobs, energy security, and greater price stability. We left COP26 in Glasgow with a naïve optimism, based on new promises and commitments. But the main problem – the enormous, growing emissions gap – was all but ignored. The science is clear. To keep the 1.5-degree limit agreed in Paris within reach, we need to cut global emissions by 45 percent this decade. But current climate pledges would mean a 14 percent increase in emissions. And most major emitters are not taking the steps needed to fulfil even these inadequate promises. Climate activists are sometimes depicted as dangerous radicals. But the truly dangerous radicals are the countries that are increasing the production of fossil fuels. *********** Investing in new fossil fuels infrastructure is moral and economic madness. Such investments will soon be stranded assets – a blot on the landscape, and a blight on investment portfolios. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Today’s report is focused on mitigation – cutting emissions. It sets out viable, financially sound options in every sector that can keep the possibility of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees alive. First and foremost, we must triple the speed of the shift to renewable energy. That means moving investments and subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables, now. In most cases, renewables are already far cheaper. It means governments ending the funding of coal, not just abroad, but at home. It means climate coalitions, made up of developed countries, multilateral development banks, private financial institutions, and corporations, supporting major emerging economies in making this shift. It means protecting forests and ecosystems as powerful climate solutions. It means rapid progress in reducing methane emissions. And it means implementing the pledges made in Paris and Glasgow. ********* Leaders must lead. But all of us can do our part. We owe a debt to young people, civil society and indigenous communities for sounding the alarm and holding leaders accountable. We need to build on their work to create a grassroots movement that cannot be ignored. If you live in a big city, a rural area, or a small island state; If you invest in the stock market; If you care about justice, and our children’s future; I am appealing directly to you: Demand that renewable energy is introduced now – at speed and at scale. Demand an end to coal-fired power. Demand an end to all fossil fuel subsidies. Today’s report comes at a time of global turbulence. Inequalities are at unprecedented levels. The recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic is scandalously uneven. Inflation is rising, and the war in Ukraine is causing food and energy prices to skyrocket. But increasing fossil fuel production will only make matters worse. Choices made by countries now will make or break the commitment to 1.5 degrees. A shift to renewables will mend our broken global energy mix and offer hope to millions of people suffering climate impacts today. Climate promises and plans must be turned into reality and action, now. It is time to stop burning our planet, and start investing in the abundant renewable energy all around us.

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03 April 2022

Male champion for Gender Equality

Saimasi, is breaking culture. “I used to treat family violence as a private matter like how my father used to treat it.” “But I’ve learnt and now understand that violence against women or any other form of violence is everyone's business. I have a responsibility as I am connected to the issue”. Saimasi Suataga Aso is a Male Champion from the village of Nuusuatia, Safata, a deeply traditional rural village with a proud history of Samoa’s culture and is home to 465 residents. Saimasi is a Community Trainer with the Samoa Umbrella for Non Government Organization (SUNGO) under the Spotlight Initiative. He has undertaken trainings to help him understand gender-based violence, empowerment of women, psycho-social support and First Aid psychological trainings to address violence. Armed with his new-found knowledge, Saimasi testifies through the Samoan proverb, “E afua mai mauga manuia o nuú” – a metaphorical description of the fact that good leaders bring forth blessings and prosperity to a village.” “I began to hold conversations with the village council as I have some influence, and as my entry point to head straight to the top of the village hierarchy. The prosperity of a village where there is zero violence starts from its leadership.” “Nuusuatia never discuss domestic violence openly before.” “That has changed. Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is now on the agenda of the village council meetings.” “Since violence against women has become an issue of discussion, the village council implemented a Village Safety Committee to look into intimate partner violence (IPV) and VAWG. The committee has intervened in 10 cases of disputes between couples, which could have escalated. The council have been convinced, and now they have reinforced a village rule – No more hitting of women and children,” said Saimasi. But Nuusuatia was not just dealing with violence against women, empowering women by giving them a voice in the village council is another change. Traditionally, the village council consists of male chiefs only. “Bringing women into the decision-making forum is an empowerment milestone for our women. And as a result, after 35 years, the village council has instigated the goal of building a women’s center,” said Saimasi. Saimasi’s was one of the few males that attended four Spotlight Initiative trainings coordinated by SUNGO, in partnership with UNDP, with support from UN Women, UNICEF and SoulTalk, a local counselling organization. The trainings fall under the Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Capacity Response Plan developed by the CSO EVAWG Taskforce led by SUNGO under Pillar 6 of the European Union and United Nations’ Spotlight Initiative, with a strong focus on strengthening civil society engagement to address gender norms and behaviours to prevent violence against women. A total of 23 organizations plus male champions like Saimasi, a trained male community facilitator under SUNGO, attended all the trainings. -ends- *The Spotlight Initiative is a EU-UN global initiative to support existing and ongoing national efforts towards ending violence against women and girls. The Spotlight Initiative is delivered by 5 UN agencies - UN Women, UNDP, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF with the coordination lead by the Resident Coordinators Office.

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Press Release

18 January 2022

Samoa launched digital library.

Apia Samoa | The National University of Samoa (NUS), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), launched the national Samoa Digital Library (SADIL) Project on Monday 17th of January 2022, at the NUS Fale Samoa. The Digital Library is part of the Samoa Knowledge Society Initiative (SKSI), which is collectively funded by the India South-South Cooperation, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and UNDP. SKSI is a rights-based initiative that acknowledges the right to access to information by all Samoans, contributing towards an enabling environment for enhanced digital development. The initiative also aims to produce a user-friendly localized knowledge e-platform, providing access to full text, bibliographical and institutional information from Samoa and international sources that are openly licensed. An objective of this initiative is the establishment of a knowledge platform that comprises two repositories (the Lifelong Learning Lab and the Research repository) and a digital library. “The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a heavy reliance on online technology for working and learning. Hence the digital library is timely with its wealth of digital resources – providing online access to information for work, for education and for use in our daily lives. Knowledge is power. Therefore, access to quality information empowers people to make the right choices and the right decisions, hence ensuring an empowered knowledge-based society,” said the Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Seuula Ioane Tua’au. In addition, the national digital library aims to increase access to bibliographic and institutional information from Samoa in English and Samoan. The development of the multilingual interface of the digital library was carried out by national consultant, Mose Mose. The project is now complete, and the launch ceremony yesterday also served as the official handover of the National Digital Library to the National University of Samoa to administer through its Learning Resource Centre (NUS Library) on behalf of all of Samoa. The Digital Library currently has numerous electronic resources on Samoa mainly from NUS. Both key donors, India and the United Nations reaffirmed their commitment to the development of inclusive knowledge societies in Samoa. “India, as a partner and true friend, would like to extend a helping hand to Samoa towards its socio-economic development. I would be very happy to engage with the Ministry of Education and see how we can work together in the areas of education, e-learning, capacity-building and human resource development,” said India’s High Commissioner to Samoa, Muktesh K. Pardeshi, who joined the launch virtually. “The future of learning, like most facets of our society nowadays, is digital. We need to move with the times. A key part of this digital transformation is digital libraries, as we have seen here today. Digital libraries ensure continuity and availability of information regardless of the circumstances. As the pandemic continues to evolve, presenting multi-faceted challenges, we must also respond accordingly. Digital libraries have emerged as vital pathways to high-quality educational content ensuring all Samoans can access information freely and learn without disruptions, regardless of current limitations,” said the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Simona Marinescu. The Project Team and Management acknowledged the significant contribution of enriching electronic historical and archaeological records on Samoa from the NUS Centre of Samoan Studies. The Digital Library also contains resources from external libraries such as the United Nations Digital Library. The Digital Library in the near future will also contain resources from the Government Ministries and will be linked directly to the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture’s Lifelong Learning Platform. More information about the digital library can be found at: https://samoaksi.ws/ ENDS Media Contacts: NUS: Eric Clem Groves, Manager Planning: e.groves@nus.edu.ws UNDP: Laufaleaina Lesa Communications Analyst: laufaleaina.lesa@undp.org

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Press Release

01 May 2020

Press Freedom and Disinformation during the COVID-19 crisis, flagship event of World Press Freedom Day 2020

Paris, 30 April—On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, celebrated every year on 3 May, UNESCO and its Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, will host an online discussion on the importance of free media in providing the public with reliable independent information, vital in times of crisis. The High-level Dialogue on Press Freedom and Tackling Disinformation in the COVID-19 context, will be streamed online on Monday 4 May, 5pm Central European Time (GMT +2). UNESCO’s flagship event of World Press Freedom Day will bring together UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, journalist Younes Mujahid, President of the International Federation of Journalists, Maria Ressa, investigative journalist from the Philippines, founder of the Rappler news website, and the Secretary General of Reporters Without Borders, Christophe Deloire, alongside a number of other high level participants. Prominent Mexican-born American journalist Jorge Ramos will moderate the debate. The debate will address the danger of what the UN Secretary-General has described as the “dangerous epidemic of misinformation.” It will advocate the need for a free press in countering disinformation which is putting lives at risk and undermining the response to the COVID-19 pandemic by promoting false cures, conspiracy theories and myths. The debate will follow the launch on 3 May of a global UNESCO media campaign called FACTS which highlights the role of free and independent media in the context of COVID-19. Leading media organizations around the world are joining the campaign, developed by award-winning communication agency DDB. On this Occasion, UNESCO will also present latest data from its 2020 World Trends Report on Media Independence and press freedom in times of COVID-19, to be launched on 5 May. Examining the information landscape during the pandemic, the report points to research showing that nearly 42 % of over 178 million tweets related to COVID-19 were produced by bots, and that 40% of these messages were unreliable (the report will be made available here: http://en.unesco.org/commemorations/worldpressfreedomday).. “ Information is a fundamental right. In times of COVID-19, Information can save lives. I wish to pay tribute to journalists, women and men who commit and take risks to keep us informed,” said the Director-General of UNESCO. “Their work is more important than ever, as they help members of the public know how to act and governments to take informed decisions,” she added.

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