Samoa Hosts Historic Commonwealth Forum on Human Rights

“The Commonwealth National Human Rights Institutions from 46 countries are convening in Samoa, to address essential human rights issues affecting its 2.7 billion citizens.”

By Lise Schmidt/

Apia, Samoa – 18 October 2024 – This landmark meeting sets the stage for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and emphasizes the importance of a sustainable culture of human rights.

The discussions are part of the 53rd Biennial Meeting of the Commonwealth Forum that will focus on ensuring the rights of the Commonwealth’s 2.7 billion citizens—including those in Samoa—are not merely acknowledged but actively protected.

Samoa’s Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, opened the forum, emphasizing the critical role human rights in fostering peaceful and just societies.

“Human rights is the essence of democracy,” she stated, highlighting the need for continuous commitment to upholding fundamental freedoms as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

As the first small island developing state to host this meeting since its inception in 1971, Samoa takes pride in leading these pivotal discussions.

The theme for this year, “A Sustainable Culture of Human Rights Towards a Resilient Future in the Commonwealth,” mirrors the broader CHOGM theme, emphasizing resilience and a shared vision for the future.

The two day forum was attended by representatives from 46 of the 56 Commonwealth nations who work collaboratively to promote accountability, transparency, and the rule of law within their countries.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa noted that while significant progress has been made, there remains an urgent need to establish additional NHRIs and similar mechanisms to further entrench human rights within the cultural framework of the Commonwealth.

Participants engaged in meaningful discussions about how to interweave human rights into the diverse cultural tapestry of the Commonwealth, drawing on shared values of love, respect, dignity, equality, and security—principles that resonate deeply within Samoan culture.

Outcomes from the forum will contribute to a Declaration that will guide discussions at the forthcoming CHOGM, reinforcing the notion that human rights should remain central to all Commonwealth nations’ commitments and aspirations, especially in light of ongoing global challenges such as pandemics, conflicts, and climate change.

The CFNHRI’s diverse network emphasizes collaboration and shared expertise among its members, advocating for a united voice to influence human rights agendas on both regional and global stages.

Transformative outcomes from the forum are hoped to reinforce human rights as an integral component of Commonwealth societies.