Samoa’s newly sworn-in Ombudsman and National Human Rights Commissioner has raised alarm over harmful social media comments, now prevalent amongst the people of Samoa, both local and abroad.

Vui Clarence J Nelson has called for urgent action to address what he describes as the pandemic of the growing misuse of social media and harmful abusive comments.

“Ua pei o se fa’ama’i”

Vui warns that irresponsible online comments are damaging families, churches, youth including children, and the unity of Samoa.

Speaking after taking his oath of office last week, the Ombudsman first apologised for not being available for an initially planned swearing-in ceremony, due to prior commitments to lead the Court of Appeal in Kiribati.

“E ao ona ou faamalulu atu i lau afioga i le Alii Palemia ma lau afioga i le Fofoga o le Fono, faapea le paia ma le mamalu ua sasao ai nei, ona o lo’u lē auai i le taimi na faatapulaa mo lenei faatautoga.”

He explained that he had been overseas carrying out judicial duties on behalf of Samoa and the Pacific.

“Sa ou faimalaga i nuu i fafo e faamae’a nai tiute faafamasino. Sa fai ai a’u ma sui o Samoa ma le Pasefika.”

However, he said his absence became the subject of misleading comments on social media.

“Ua avea foi lenei mea ua ou maitauina ma tulaga na faauiga sese foi nisi i luga o le social media faapea, ‘Ua ga foi ua solasola Vui ae le sau e fai ni ana galuega.’”

The Commissioner said such behaviour highlights a growing problem that is affecting the rights of individuals and undermining peaceful relationships within the country.

“O se tasi lea o faafitauli ua aafia ai tele aia tatau ma le nofo fealofani o tagata o le tatou atunuu.”

He warned that the misuse of social media has gone beyond personal attacks and is now creating conflict within families, churches and communities.

“O le faaaoga sese o le social media ma le upega tafailagi, ua fa’atupu vevesi ai i le va o tagata ma totonu o aiga. E oo foi i Ekalesia ua aafia i faamatalaga soona lafo ma uiga lē mafaufau.”

The Commissioner also expressed concern about the impact on children, saying they are being exposed to harmful behaviour online, at a young age.

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“Aemaise, ua aafia atu ai ma le fanau iti. O le tatou lumanai lea. Ae ua taitai sese o latou mafaufau, ma o latou lagona, ma latou amioga.”

He believes the issue has become so widespread that it should be treated as a national priority.

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“Ou te talitonu, o se tasi lea mataupu e tatau ona silasila toto’a iai le Ofisa o le Komesina o Sulufaiga. E saili le auala e fofo ai le gasegase lea ua pei o se faama’i i Samoa i lenei vaitau.”

The Ombudsman said practical solutions should be sought to protect the rights of individuals while preserving respect, unity and harmony throughout the country.

Alofa Grace is an Intern Reporter and Photographer with Samoa Global News. Alofa Grace is passionate about sharing stories and capturing real moments. She is a graduate of Maluafou College and hopes to continue a career as a Journalist.

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