The recommendations made in this Report framed from a human rights perspective will greatly contribute to the promotion and protection of our rights to freedom of opinion and expression and access to information. The guaranteeing of such freedoms and rights in law and in practice will not only further strengthen our participation in decision-making processes that impact on our lives, but will also demonstrate and make certain that our government is kept accountable and transparent. On a bigger scale, the realization of our freedom of opinion and expression and right of access to information will help build knowledge communities that in turn contribute towards our national goals and priorities and also the SDGs (SDG 16 broadly and specifically to SDG 16.10.2). We strongly urge and encourage the Government to consider and implement the recommendations made to not only promote and protect freedom of opinion and expression in Samoa including media freedom and right to information, but contribute to Samoa’s overall development. To end, we would like to reiterate two key take home points from this Report: (1) (2) individuals are free to express their views and opinions (including receiving information), however, they must do so in a way that respects and does not negatively impact others which is consistent with our Fa’asamoa values of faa’aloalo and va tapuia (application); and any restrictions placed on such rights and freedoms must be carefully balanced and conform with international human rights norms of necessity and proportionality and our Constitution (necessary restrictions). State of Human Rights Report 2021 | 50