Universal Periodic Review

The Ombudsman also highlighted specific human rights issues supported by the Government requiring urgent attention.

Such issues include the right to health i.e. combating NCDs, health literacy, and ensuring that human rights principles are continuously observed in the Government’s COVID-19 response, as well as the protection of the rights of children to be free from violence and exploitation.

The workshop held last Friday was aimed at refreshing and raising awareness among CSOs in Samoa about the United Nations Human Rights Council’s (HRC) upcoming Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and provide guidance to CSOs in preparing and compiling their submissions or shadow reports to the UPR.

Director of Human Rights Loukinini Vili-Lewaravu said it was an opportunity for CSOs to discuss best practices and better understand their involvement in the UPR process.