Samoa's prime minister has praised the work of Samoa's Fa'afafine Association saying the so-called third gender should be treated equally.
The association has held a one day consultation on human rights as part of this year's Faafafine Association week.
Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi told the forum all people are the same in the eyes of God and that every person should be treated fairly and equally.
He said that in Samoa males are the first gender, females are the second but faafafines are the third gender and has urged members of the association to continue their good work.
The reporting of a faafafine's suicide earlier this year was among subjects for discussion.
Photo: RNZI/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia (The Prime Minister of Samoa Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi).