Coordinator to support Samoa’s Review

15 January 2016, 12:00AM

The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (O.H.C.H.R) has funded a United Nations Volunteer to provide support in the build up to Samoa’s second round Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in April/May 2016. 

Ash Bowe will spend six months as a U.P.R Coordinator offering support to the state in preparation for its trip to Geneva for the review of Samoa’s performance in meeting its human rights obligations. 

Having previously spent the last three years working in Samoa, most recently with the National Human Rights Institution, Mr. Bowe is delighted to commence this new role. 

“Samoa is a wonderful country full of fantastic people and I hope to be able to support the State in preparing for its trip to Geneva and gain the best possible outcome,” he said. 

Mr. Bowe’s role will involve providing any help that is requested from Government ministries, parliamentarians, civil society organisations or others in relation to the Universal Periodic Review. Potential activities for his assignment include facilitating a mock UPR for the delegation due to travel to Geneva, conducting awareness raising programmes and helping Samoa prepare for implementing the recommendations they will receive at the review. 

Head of the Regional O.H.C.H.R office, Catherine Phuong, and Mr. Bowe will be meeting some of the key stakeholders this week to discuss how assistance may be provided and he stresses the value that this process can have for this country.  

“The U.P.R is one of the few times when every country is treated absolutely equally on the international stage. It is a great opportunity for Samoa to develop new partnerships and gain additional support with the aim of better protecting and promoting human rights and the fa’asamoa”.  

If you would like any information regarding the Universal Periodic Review or to explore working with Mr. Bowe on U.P.R related projects please contact him on [email protected]  

15 January 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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