7
Article 2: Disadvantaged groups of women
32. In its 2016 SHRR, NHRI Samoa highlighted several issues faced by persons with disability, with
women with disabilities more likely to experience discrimination than men with disabilities. The
2016 SHRR made a number of recommendations which require consideration and
implementation.7
33. The situation of some groups of disadvantaged women lack documentation and data. These groups
include fa’atama and lesbians and other SOGISC persons. This is discussed in the Inquiry report
and proposals made therein (See Recommendation 3).
Disaster risk reduction and climate change
34. NHRI Samoa’s 3rd SHRR looked at human rights and climate change. It noted various concerns
regarding the impact of climate change on the full enjoyment of human rights of the Samoan
people. Of particular concern was the impact of climate change on marginalized communities
including women, children, persons with disability, and future generations who stand to bear the
worst impact.8 Some of the immediate concerns was in relation to issues of participation in State
led adaptation and mitigation projects, as well as relocation and resettlement.9
Data collection & Monitoring and Evaluation
35. Data collection and management in Samoa is an ongoing challenge and there are a number of
concerns regarding the reliability and accuracy of data collected by various agencies especially in
relation to family violence. The Inquiry report finds that overall, there is a poor standard of record
keeping and data collection across Ministries and NGOs, which severely undermines ability to
implement effective programmes and responses to combat family violence. The Inquiry report
makes recommendations on this issue (See Recommendation 22).
Optional Protocol and amendment to article 20 (1)
36. Lastly, to further promote and protect the rights of women in Samoa, it is important for Samoa to
give continuous consideration to expanding the scope of its treaty obligations.
7
Office of the Ombudsman/ NHRI Samoa. State of Human Rights Report 2016: Persons with Disability. (2016). pp 2830. Full list of recommendations of the 2016 SHRR at Appendix B.
8
It is important to also note the impacts of climate change on other vulnerable groups particularly those of diverse
SOGISC and how measures to mitigate and reduce the effects of the climate change should take into account their needs
and wants.
9
Full list of recommendations of the 2017 SHRR at Appendix C.