As Samoa continues to reap the benefits of the information age it has also been faced with many challenges towards certain freedoms and rights. The freedom of opinion and expression continue to attract debate regarding their application and limitations, as well as their importance. The same for right of access to information. The perception by some members of the public of human rights being a foreign concept continues to play into the confusion and misunderstanding therefore sharing the way people perceive the position such freedoms have in all sectors of Samoan society.5 . Our freedom of opinion and expression enabled by the right of accessing official information held by public authorities play an important role in ensuring that we can express our views freely and receive information on different matters of concern to us. They are essential to the development of individuals and groups in that it allows them to participate, discuss, exchange and engage in decision-making on matters affecting them and also hold authorities to accountable. The graph below highlights the mediums used by those surveyed to express their opinions on various matters important to them. Overall, the two most commonly used mediums to express views in Samoa are through “discussions with others” and “social media/ Facebook”. People also use the newspaper, TV and radio as well as write opinion pieces to express views. Discussions in person is undoubtedly the most convenient and informative way, however those who responded that they use Facebook to express views stated that this is because it is easy and most people in Samoa are on Facebook especially youth. MEDIUMS USED TO EXPRESS OPINIONS/ SPEECH Facebook/ social media Newspaper TV/Radio Opinion pieces Discuss with others 25% 49% 7% 12% 7% 5 For example, consultations reveal that expressing views or opinions (especially by younger persons) that may go against or disagrees with a view expressed by others (elders or leaders) is viewed as insubordination and disrespectful – Focus groups consultations (Upolu and Savaii). State of Human Rights Report 2021 |8