UN urges rule of law and democratic institutions in Samoa be respected

Samoa is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights since 2008.

28 May 2021 – The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNCHR), has urged that the rule of law and democratic institutions in Samoa be respected.

In a statement issued last night, spokesperson Marta Hurtado said “We are concerned by challenges to the rule of law in Samoa following the 9 April elections.

“The Secretary-General called last Monday on the country’s leaders to find solutions to overcome the current political situation through dialogue in the best interest of Samoa’s people and institutions,” she said.

In the process and legal challenges since the 9 April general elections, the Judiciary had been assaulted by the caretaker Prime Minister and criticised as biased and Samoa’s Attorney General asked that the Supreme Court judges be recused from hearing a crucial constitutional matter next week.

“OHCHR urges that the rule of law and democratic institutions in Samoa be respected and protected, and in particular the key role played by an independent judiciary.  We emphasize that Samoan judges must be able to undertake their functions without pressure, interference or personal attacks from any quarter,” said Hurtado.

“It is a fundamental right to take action through the courts, including to challenge election results, in accordance with the applicable legal framework. At the same time, decisions of the Supreme Court should be respected, in a manner consistent with international human rights norms.”

“Samoa is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights since 2008 and has thus committed itself to safeguard access to justice and the independence of the judiciary,” Hurtado’s statement ended.