Laureate from Samoa awarded UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence

The Prize Jury recommended the laureate to UNESCO Director-General, Mr Khaled El-Enany, in recognition of their 20 years of work combating violence in Samoa. Their community-based initiatives address domestic violence, sexual abuse, child protection and the promotion of human rights.

SVSG implements programmes for victims, families, youth and perpetrators of violence, providing a 24-hour toll-free hotline, shelters such as the Campus of Hope, a residential care and rehabilitation center for women, vulnerable children and persons with disabilities, as well as psychological support and legal assistance. They mobilize communities, volunteers, the police, the courts, and international organizations to address social peace by enhancing the security and well-being of vulnerable sectors.

Through its initiatives, SVSG has empowered more than 5,000 women and provided safe shelter to more than 4,000 young women, while continuously accommodating 80 babies and children.

The organization was nominated by the Acting Police Commissioner, Ministry of Police, Prisons and Correction Services of Samoa.