SVSG welcomes delegation of Japan and Samoa Ministries of Justice

Apia, Samoa – 07 November 2025 – The Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) was thrilled to welcome a distinguished delegation from Japan’s Ministry of Justice and Samoa’s Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration (MJCA).

The delegation’s visit is part of their 3rd Strategic Dialogue on Law and Justice, a collaborative event aimed at strengthening justice sector partnerships and sharing best practices between the two nations.

A key highlight of the Dialogue was an interactive session focused on SVSG’s essential services and its contributions within Samoa’s justice sector.

The visit was led by Susuga Papali’i John Tamialelagi Afele, CEO and Registrar of the Courts for Samoa’s MJCA, accompanied by management members. The Japanese delegation, headed by His Excellency Yoshiyuki Tsusumi, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice of Japan, was warmly received by SVSG President Siliniu Lina Chang and her management team.

During the meeting, both delegations engaged in meaningful discussions on shared priorities, including victim support, offender rehabilitation, and long-term approaches to crime prevention.

Papali’i John Taimalelagi Afele acknowledged SVSG’s critical role in supporting victims and rehabilitating offenders in Samoa. He highlighted that SVSG holds one of the highest records of protection order assistance in the country, greatly contributing to the safeguarding of women and children from violence. He also praised SVSG’s sustained commitment to justice, as reflected during its recent 20th anniversary celebration.

His Excellency Mr. Tsusumi conveyed Japan’s admiration for SVSG’s ongoing efforts to ensure justice for victims and to provide second-chance opportunities for offenders. He reaffirmed Japan’s continued commitment to supporting Samoa in strengthening victim protection and rehabilitation initiatives.

SVSG President Siliniu Lina Chang expressed gratitude for the recognition and international collaboration, emphasizing that partnerships like these are vital for advancing justice and community wellbeing in Samoa.

The visit concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and strengthened cooperation between the justice sectors of Samoa and Japan, paving the way for ongoing partnerships in the years ahead.