Listed in the matrix below is the full list of recommendations classified under three broad categories:
outreach and awareness, legislative reform and policy, resourcing and capacity building. The matrix also
indicates the responsible agency and implementation timeframe for each recommendation.
Key:
Outreach and awareness
Legislative reform and policy
Resourcing and capacity building
AREA
RECOMMENDATIONS
RESPONSIBLE
Public’s
understanding
of freedom of
opinion and
expression
1. The Government to raise awareness on
freedom of opinion and expression: what it
is, and the special duties and
responsibilities associated with their
application in all sectors of society
including communities and schools.
2. The Government to include in the school
curriculum and lessons promotion of
freedom of opinion and expression to
empower students, as well as awareness on
its limitations taking into account
individual responsibility.
3. The Government to ensure that
enforcement of the law on criminal
defamation does not disproportionately
impact on the freedom of expression and
speech of the individual.
4. The Government to adopt necessary
measures to protect the privacy of
individuals.
5. The Government to progressively adopt
legislative measures to address instances of
hate speech (including racist content,
xenophobia) in Samoa both off and online.
6. The Government to ensure that any laws on
hate speech achieves a balance between
protecting people from speech inciting
OOTR, MCIT,
OMB/NHRI
Defamation
Hate speech
State of Human Rights Report 2021
IMPLEMENT
ATION
TIMEFRAME
ImmediateOngoing
MESC,
OMB/NHRI
2-3 years
OAG, SLRC,
MCIT
Ongoing
OAG, SLRC
2-3 years
OAG, SLRC
2-3 years
OAG, SLRC,
MCIT
2-3 years
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