South Pacific Tour 2002 Watters and Associates "I learned how to care for young children in a very reasonable manner without hurting their feelings. Invite more people to share this exciting view of raising children." Leane Mapusua, TV Samoa Corporation

"Human Rights are Essential to the Proper Development of Our Children" was the theme of a symposium at National University of Samoa on July 30th from 1:00-4:00 PM. Ms. Joyce Yu, UNDP Resident Representative and UN Resident Coordinator gave the opening remarks. This was her first public duty since taking up her new post. Ms. Yu spoke on the importance of human rights in everyday life; the right to development; to a long and healthy life; to education; a decent standard of living; and to dignity and respect. Other participants included Ombudsman Maiava lulai Toma; Luagalu F. Eteuati Shon, Secretary of the Ministry of Women's Affairs; Toleafoa Afamasanga, former Ambassador and MP; Dr. Asofou So'o, Director of the Institute of Samoan Studies; Gatoloaifaaana Tili Afmasanga, Dean of the Faculty of Education at NUS; Galumalemena Steven Percival, Secretary-General of the Baha'is and Ms. Nancy Watters, a consulting psychologist from Canada. An estimated 50 people heard presentations by panelists and then participated in discussion on the issues.

Ms. Shon spoke on The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. "The fundamental rights of all children include the right to nationality, protection and freedom," she said. "By sharing, protecting and loving the child, he or she will grow up to become a responsible adult.Toleafoa Afamasaga said that human rights have always been enshrined in Samoa's constitution. But individually based human rights often conflict with custom, with some religious teachings, and with group based values. The challenge is how to reconcile such differences to accommodate group harmony and solidarity, without sacrificing people's basic human rights. Excerpts from the symposium proceedings were broadcast during a ten-minute report on the evening TV news.

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