OMBUDSMAN FOREWORD I have pleasure in submitting as required by s.57 of Part 7 of the Ombudsman (Komesina o Sulufaiga) Act 2013, the Annual Report of the Office of the Ombudsman/NHRI Samoa. The report shows how the Office has performed its functions during the Financial Year ended 30 June 2019 to 30 June 2020. The Annual Report includes the Office’s financial statements for period under review which have been prepared in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act 2001. As I reflect on all developments over the years, I am elated and humbled by the progress my small staff has been able to achieve. The Samoa Ombudsman’s Office continues to be a leader in many aspects regionally and internationally in spite of difficulties presented by the global circumstances of COVID19. My Office has grown from strength to strength in efficiently and effectively managing the discharge of its functions of good governance, human rights and special investigations under the Ombudsman (Komesina o Sulufaiga) Act 2013. All three functions seek to promote democracy in Samoa. Good governance seeks to ensure that the interests of citizens are safeguarded in the implementation of policy and to prevent the abuse of power in the public sector. On the other hand, human rights principles guide the conduct of government officials and citizens alike. The special investigations unit monitors the exercise of the coercive powers of the State, and where necessary investigates independently, complaints against officers of police, prisons and other disciplined forces. All three functions are interrelated, and together make a vital contribution to the sustainable development of a democratic society. I remain confident that my Office will continue to make progress in building its capacity to fulfil the mandates prescribed for it by Parliament. We will continue to be accessible, transparent, accountable and impartial to everyone. We remain determined to succeed in creating a sustainable multifunctional Office that meets the unique needs of Samoa in our special fields of interest. Maiava Iulai Toma Ombudsman Office of the Ombusman/NHRI Samoa Annual Report 2019/20 3