The Office of the Ombudsman is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation in the Country.
This started in 2021 and they will be putting together a report to explore and address issues and criticism from members of the public querying the impact of measures imposed by the Government on some of their fundamental human rights.
Samoa from the start was proactive in managing the pandemic by closing its borders immediately and putting in place SOE measures to ensure that Samoans were protected from COVID-19.
In doing so, they are still accepting submissions from members of the public for its COVID-19 and human rights report.
Since the beginning of 2020 the world has been faced with an unprecedented epidemic which has gone on to affect millions of people worldwide.
Families have lost loved ones, businesses have suffered, unemployment increased, freedom of movement restricted, and state of emergency (SOE) measures introduced which has raised questions regarding proportionality and reasonableness of such measures.
To date, Samoa has recorded a total of 33 confirmed cases of COVID-19 cases and no deaths; two were recorded in 2021 and are no longer active, and 31 currently active, which are 25 returning passengers and six healthcare workers.
However, there has also been much criticism and the Office has and continues to receive numerous complaints from members of the public querying the impact of measures imposed by the Government on some of their fundamental human rights and freedoms.
For example, making vaccines mandatory, questions on vaccine efficacy and safety of children, access to health services where restrictions have been put in place for those seeking medical treatment, restrictions on right to work, access and timeliness of releasing official information etc.
The Office of Samoa's National Human Rights Institution has been closely monitoring the situation since 2021 and will be putting together a report to explore and address issues raised.
The report aims to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Samoa’s economic and social landscape taking into account vulnerable groups, also to analyze measures imposed by the Government in response and whether such measures were/are in line with human rights standards.
Furthermore the report seeks to discuss from a human rights lens best practices and lessons learnt that will help inform future actions in dealing with pandemics and/or any major public health issue and to provide recommendations regarding areas for improvement to ensure that the rights of all Samoans in times of emergencies are continuously safeguarded.
The report which will provide a detailed and informed analysis of the impacts of COVID-19 on the rights and freedoms of the Samoan people is anticipated to be finalised in June and subsequently submitted to Parliament for discussions and necessary action and submissions opened in September 2021 and have been extended to 11 March 2022.
