29 Jan 2003

Samoa justice minister says law reform commissioner to deal with sensitive issues

5:32 pm on 29 January 2003

Samoa's justice minister, Seumanu Aika Ah Wa, says the new Law Reform Commissioner will have to be knowledgeable in Samoan custom and law to address sensitive issues in the country.

The new law commission is currently advertising for staff, with applications due to close in March.

Seumanu says the commission will look at creating laws that better reflect today's environment following cases where village chiefs exiled people who professed belief in new religious denominations.

Seumanu says the issue will need to be dealt with carefully by the new commissioner.

"According to our traditions a council of chiefs will control people, lands and all the properties in the villages but we are looking into a global aura which is human rights that is a very sensitive and delicate issue."

Seumanu says such conflict between traditional custom and western beliefs will be the commission's top priority.