OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN, SAMOA
Samoa’s Second Universal Periodic Review
Implementation Comments
Recommendation
Position
timely fashion, and that it expand police training to address concerns about abuse by police
(United States);
(See para.
25
addendum
p. 6)
implemented
of Understanding which
provides for its oversight of the
Police’s Professional
Standards Unit. It is currently
in the process of establishing
a Special Investigations Unit
to directly investigate
complaints against the Police.
The NHRI is also involved in
police training programs to
improve understanding of
human rights among the
Police.
Conditions of detention
74.12.Provide members of its police force with training on human rights and improve inmate
conditions in detention facilities (Canada);
Supported
Implemented
See comment 75.35. See
report paras [6], [24] – [30].
74.13.Address improving the conditions in its penitentiary facilities as outlined in the
Government’s Law and Justice Sector Plan (Slovakia);
Supported
Implemented
See report paras [6], [24] –
[30].
75.33.Carry out additional prison facility improvements, and invite independent human rights
observers to monitor conditions within the prisons (United States);
Supported
(See para.
22
addendum
p. 5)
Implemented
See comment 74.13.
75.34.Circulate and implement the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women
Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (Bangkok Rules) as part of its
Law and Justice Sector Plan and seek appropriate assistance from OHCHR and the United
Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in its implementation (Thailand);
Supported
(See para.
24,
Addendum
p. 4)
Not implemented
Administration of justice & fair trial
74.25.Improve equal access to justice, including legal assistance and information and
education about legal and human rights, to those who cannot afford private representation
(Canada);
Supported
Partly
implemented
Legal aid is provided through
Samoa’s Court system. A
Community Law Centre Bill is
currently before Parliament.
74.26.Enhance its investigation of complaints of abuse by police (United States);
Supported
Implemented
See comment 75.35.
Right to health
73.29.Implement fully the recommendations of the Committee on the Elimination of
Supported
Partly
See report paras [12] – [16],
27