Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 39th Session

Universal Periodic Review of Samoa

Statement by Australia

2 November 2021

Thank you, [President/Vice President]

Australia commends Samoa on its progress since its previous UPR appearance, notwithstanding significant disruptions caused by natural disasters, the 2019 measles outbreak and COVID-19.

Australia welcomes Samoa’s ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its steps towards safeguarding the rights of people with disabilities. Australia welcomes Samoa’s efforts to meet recommendations outlined in the 2015 State of Human Rights Report. Australia urges Samoa to uphold the rights of LGBTI people and continue working to reduce gender-based violence.

Australia recommends that Samoa:

1. Continue to pursue recommendations outlined in the 2015 State of Human Rights Report, particularly those relating to women, children, people with disabilities and prisoners.
2. Take further actions towards eliminating gender-based violence and violence against children, including by adequately funding shelter and support services, and actively progressing the passage and implementation of the Child Care and Protection (CCP) Bill.
3. Repeal laws criminalising private sexual activity between consenting adults, including Sections 67, 68 and 71 of the Crimes Act, and take steps to protect LGBTI people from discrimination.

[179 Words]