The UK has set out its assessment of Samoa's human rights record at the 53rd Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, in a statement published on 5 November 2026.

The statement welcomed Samoa's engagement with the review process and its cooperation with international human rights mechanisms. It commended the country's efforts on the rights of persons with disabilities, citing the election of Mataafa Utumapu to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as the first Samoan to serve on that body. It also recognised the role of Samoan civil society organisations and independent institutions in supporting vulnerable communities and strengthening democratic accountability.

The UK said challenges remain, expressing concern at the prevalence of violence against women and girls and noting concerns over media freedom and a decline in Samoa's ranking in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index. It recommended that Samoa strengthen measures to prevent and respond to such violence through improved victim support services and implementation of national policies; safeguard freedom of expression so journalists and media organisations can operate independently and without undue restriction; and promote the inclusion and protection of vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, children and gender-diverse communities, with equitable access to education and public services.