Having closed its borders in March to prevent a domestic outbreak, as of October 2020 Samoa remained one of a small number of countries that had yet to report any Covid-19 cases (along with other Pacific island nations, including Palau [see 29 September update on this platform]). Although the country is a signatory to the Refugee Convention, Samoa has not historically been a destination for asylum seekers or refugees. There is little available information about the treatment of migrants or asylum seekers in immigration enforcement procedures in Samoa.
- J. Andersson, “Countries without covid: How nations such as Samoa and Micronesia are coping with the collateral damage of the pandemic,” inews, 25 September 2020, https://inews.co.uk/news/world/countries-without-covid-samoa-micronesia-coping-collateral-damage-pandemic-645574
- Government of Samoa, “State of Emergency Declared,” 20 March 2020, https://www.samoagovt.ws/2020/03/state-of-emergency-declared/
- UNHCR, “Submission by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ Compilation Report – Universal Periodic Review: The Independent State of Samoa,” 2010, https://www.refworld.org/country,,UNHCR,,WSM,,,,0.html
- WHO Staff Member Demonstrating Handwashing to Children During the COVID-19 Assessment in Upolu, (WHO, “COVID-19 Preparedness – Supporting the Vulnerable in Samoa,” 23 September 2020, https://www.who.int/westernpacific/about/how-we-work/pacific-support/news/detail/23-09-2020-covid-19-preparedness—supporting-the-vulnerable-in-samoa)
