Human Rights day marked with Inquiry on family violence

08 December 2016, 12:00AM

“Tula’i nei ma fa’ataua le aia tatau a ou matua, lau fanau, lau pa’aga ma lou uso.”

It translates to “arise to value the human right of your parents, your children, your partner and your brother”  

That is Samoa’s theme for the Human Rights Day 2016.

“Human Rights Day” is celebrated each 10th day of December as the last event on the 16 days of activism calendar. 

It commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, a milestone document in the history of human rights that declares to his or her development and growth.

The theme resonates with the international theme “stand up for someone’s rights today”, places emphasis on the responsibility of the human person in exercising their rights and freedom to do so in ways that respects and takes account of the rights of others. It encourages each and every one of us to make this world a better and peaceful place for our generations to come by standing up for one another, respecting one another, love one another and help one another.

This year in Samoa, Human Rights Day celebration will coincide with the launch of the National Public Inquiry on Family Violence led by the Office of the Ombudsman which is also the National Human Rights Institution of Samoa. 

The public inquiry will take place throughout 2017 with the hope to stimulate a collective conversation and discussion at every level of our society on ways that will contribute to the fight in addressing the issue of family violence in Samoa. 

The Office of the Ombudsman under its human rights mandate can initiate a national public inquiry if the issue is a systemic or widespread violation of human rights. Media reports, research and statistics available on domestic violence show a common pattern that the issue of family violence is prevalent and widespread. 

Such violence is a human rights violation affecting our women, young girls and children.

The celebration took place at the Conference Centre, T.A.T.TE Building Sogi on Thursday 8th December. 

The line up of the programme included the official launch of the National Public Inquiry on Family Violence and Commemoration of the Human Rights Day 2016 by the Prime Minister, entertainment by the students of SENESE Inclusive School, and drama acts performed by Aumaga of Vaimoso, Letogo and Malie to commemorate the theme of human rights day 2016. 

The programme also features an act by Faitotoa Tuia from the Young Women’s Christian Association. 

On this day let us recommit to the protection of each other’s rights by standing up and respecting the rights of others. 

08 December 2016, 12:00AM

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