National Social Protection Policy Framework 2023

1.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 5

1.2 Rationale ....................................................................................................................... 6 COVID-19 Impacts ......................................................................................................... 7 CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK FOCUS ............................................................................. 9

2.1 Purpose ......................................................................................................................... 9

2.2 Guiding Principles ....................................................................................................... 10

2.3 Targeting in Social Protection Policies ....................................................................... 12

2.3.1 Types of Targeting ............................................................................................. 12

2.4 Policy Alignment ......................................................................................................... 13

2.4.1 Global ................................................................................................................. 13

2.4.2 Regional (sub-Regional) .................................................................................... 13

2.4.3 National Level .................................................................................................... 14

2.4.4 Sector Level ........................................................................................................ 14

2.4.5 District Level ...................................................................................................... 14 CHAPTER 3: SAMOA’S SOCIAL PROTECTION SYSTEM .......................................................... 15

3.1 Social Protection in Samoa’s Context ........................................................................ 15

3.2 Lifecycle Social Protection .......................................................................................... 16

3.2.1 Social Assistance ................................................................................................ 16

3.2.2 Social Insurance ................................................................................................. 17

3.2.3 Labour Market Programs .................................................................................. 18

3.3 Crisis Responsive Social Protection ............................................................................ 19 CHAPTER 4: INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT, MONITORING & EVALUATION .................. 22

4.1 Social Protection Delivery Systems ............................................................................ 22

4.2 Institutional Arrangement .......................................................................................... 23

4.3 Monitoring .................................................................................................................. 24

4.4 Evaluation.................................................................................................................... 24 ANNEXES ............................................................................................................................... 26 Annex 1: Policy Alignment ................................................................................................ 26 Annex 2: References ......................................................................................................... 31 2 National Social Protection Policy Framework LIST OF ACRONYMS ACC Accident Compensation NFI National Financial Inclusion Corporation ADRA Adventist Development and Relief NFIS National Financial Inclusion Strategy Agency ALMP Active Labour Market Programs NEOC National Emergency Operations Centre BNPL Basic Needs Poverty Line NGO Non-Government Organizations CBS Central bank of Samoa NPCC National Policy Coordinating Committee CBPRC Cabinet Budget & Policy Roll-out NSPPF National Social Protection Policy Committee Framework CCA Climate Change Adaptation NUS National University of Samoa CDC Cabinet Development Committee NYC National Youth Council CDP Community Development Plan OGG One Government Grant COVID- Coronavirus Disease of 2019 PALM Pacific Australia Labour Mobility 19 CPI Consumer Price Index PDS Pathway for the Development of Samoa CSO Civil Society Organizations PFM Public Finance Management DAC Disaster Advisory Committee PLWD Persons Living With Disability DBS Development Bank of Samoa PSET Post School Education & Training DDPI District Development Program PSP Payment Service Procedures Initiatives DMO Disaster Management Office RSE Recognised Seasonal Worker DRM Disaster Risk Management RSWS Recognised Seasonal Worker Scheme EPC Electric Power Corporation SAMOA Small Island Developing States Accelerated Modalities of Action ESAC Education Sector Advisory SBH Samoa Business Hub Committee FBO Faith Based Organizations SBS Samoa Bureau Statistics FPL Food poverty line SCCI Samoa Chamber of Commerce and Industry FY Financial year SDG Sustainable Development Goals GBV Gender-Based Violence SDS Strategy for the Development of Samoa (now PDS) HEOC Health Emergency Operation Centre SHC Samoa Housing Corporation HIES Household Income and Expenditure SIA Samoa Institute of Accountants Survey HPAC Health Program Advisory SIDS Small Island Developing Statements Committee ILO International Labour Organisation SLS Samoa Law Society IPES Institute of Professional Engineers SNPF Samoa National Provident Fund in Samoa LMP Labour Market Programs SOE State of Emergency LWOP Leave without pay SP Social Protection MAF Ministry Agriculture and Fisheries ST Samoan Tala M&E Monitoring and Evaluation STA Samoa Tourism Authority 3 National Social Protection Policy Framework MCIL Ministry of Commerce, Industry and STEM Science, Technology, Engineering, and Labour Mathematics. MESC Ministry of Education, Sports and SVSG Samoa Victim Support Group Culture MNRE Ministry of Natural Resources and SWA Samoa Water Authority Environment MOF Ministry of Finance TVET Technical and Vocational Education and Training MOH Ministry of Health UN United Nations MPMC Ministry of the Prime Minister and UNDP United Nations Development Cabinet Programme MSME Micro, Small and Medium VNR Voluntary National Review Enterprises MWCSD Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development NCD Non-Communicable Diseases NDC National Disaster Council LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES FIGURE 1 NSPPF FRAMEWORK CONCEPT ........................................................................................................................ 5 FIGURE 2 GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF NSPPF ..................................................................................................................... 11 FIGURE 3 SOCIAL PROTECTION ALIGNMENT .................................................................................................................... 13 FIGURE 4 SOCIAL PROTECTION SECTOR-LEVEL PLANS AND POLICIES..................................................................................... 14 FIGURE 5 SOCIAL PROTECTION CONTEXT IN SAMOA ......................................................................................................... 15 FIGURE 6 INSTITUTIONAL, COORDINATION AND M&E ...................................................................................................... 23 TABLE 1 EXISTING SOCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS .......................................................................................................... 16 TABLE 2 EXISTING SOCIAL INSURANCE PROGRAMS............................................................................................................ 17 TABLE 3 EXISTING LABOUR MARKER PROGRAMS ............................................................................................................. 18 TABLE 4 CRISIS SOCIAL PROTECTION RESPONSE ............................................................................................................... 20 4 National Social Protection Policy Framework CHAPTER 1: BACKGROUND

1.1 Introduction The Government of Samoa through its Pathway for the Development of Samoa FY2021/2022- FY2025/2026 (PDS) articulates the strategic outcomes for social and economic development to build capacity, expand opportunities while reducing vulnerabilities for its people and enhancing economic resilience through inclusive growth. Achieving Samoa’s development objectives while addressing its many challenges has highlighted the urgent need for social protection measures that prevent and reduce hardships, inequalities and insecurities faced by the most vulnerable in society, through their lifecycle and in response to crises. Social Protection is defined in this policy framework as a mix of policies and programs aims at preventing and protecting all people against poverty, vulnerability and social exclusion, covering measures relating to lack of basic income, lack of access to healthcare and other basic services, insufficient family support (especially for children and adult dependents), including social security and support for protection against disaster, economic and social risk, such as unemployment, exclusion, sickness, disability and old age1. Figure 1 NSPPF Concept The National Social Protection Policy Framework (NSPPF) aims to establish the guiding principles for policies and programs implemented by various Government Agencies to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable citizens, while providing timely response and targeted assistance in the face of external shocks. Existing social protection measures in Samoa are ad hoc and fragmented, therefore this policy framework will not only be an integrated framework for existing social protection policies and programs, but it will also direct the development of social protection in Samoa, encompassing both formal and informal social 1 Aligned to the definition of Social Protection by the United Nations 5 National Social Protection Policy Framework protection systems, using the three pillars of i) Social Assistance, ii) Social Insurance and iii) Labour Market Programs.

1.2 Rationale Samoa is a lower middle-income country with a small economic base that relies on tourism, hospitality and the services sector for its in-country income and is dependent on food imports and remittances. As a small remote economy, Samoa’s potential growth is constrained by high trade costs and difficulties in realizing economies of scale, which limit private sector incentives to invest. Samoa’s population was estimated at 205,557 (2021 Population and Housing Census) of whom 21.9% were estimated to be living below Samoa’s Basic Needs Poverty Line (BNPL) and 5.2% living below the National Food Poverty Line 2. Samoa’s population growth, urbanization, physical isolation and the socio-economic challenges associated with being a small island state are key contributors to increased vulnerability to the impacts of natural hazard events and climate change. These have significant direct effects on communities and livelihoods. The poorest households remain particularly vulnerable to long-term impacts, as they possess fewer assets and have less access to services. Workers in subsistence agriculture and fisheries are among the most vulnerable, with lower financial buffers to sustain themselves following the income losses and damages caused by natural disasters. Many households identify agriculture as their main source of livelihood and agricultural employment provides a safety net for under-employed and unemployed persons in rural areas3. Hardship has variable effects in rural and urban areas of Samoa’s regions. As reported in the Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index Report 2022, the Rest of Upolu region appears to be the poorest of all the regions in Samoa with 34.3% incidence. As expected, the Apia Urban Area region is less multi-dimensionally poor, with only 11.4% incidence. The region of North West of Upolu reported a 22.2% incidence while the remaining region of Savaii reported an incidence of 30.8%. The report also states that “using the 2018 HIES data, it was estimated that 24.9% or a quarter of Samoa’s population is multi-dimensionally poor”. The Government of Samoa has invested in expanding and improving essential services such as health and education, strengthening early warning systems and expanding social protection as a proportion of overall government expenditure representing around 37% of the government budget in 2019. The universal availability of basic public health services, at little or no cost, underpins the relatively strong health indicators that Samoa has achieved to date. Life expectancy has increased in Samoa, one of the highest in the Pacific, estimated at 73.75 years in 20234. However, a significant increase in the incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Samoa has brought, and will continue to bring, substantial social and economic costs associated with morbidity and premature mortality, accounting for over eighty percent of deaths in Samoa, as well as escalating fiscal costs associated with treatment needs. Preventing NCDs and reducing the vulnerability of the population to health risks are 2 HIES 2018, Samoa Bureau of Statistics 3 2019 Agricultural Census 4 https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/WSM/samoa/life-expectancy 6 National Social Protection Policy Framework critical priorities for Samoa. The 2019 estimates of health expenditures, including healthcare goods and services consumed, was $272 per capita, a 19.6% increase from 20185. Samoa provides universal primary and secondary education and has introduced an inclusive- education policy. The Government’s One Government Grant reduced schooling costs for households, however individual schools apply school fees including registration fees and exam fees. Samoa’s education indicators revealed declining completion rates for primary schools and declining transition rates from primary to secondary and secondary to tertiary education, along with declines in literacy for Samoan, English and Numeracy across all levels between 2012 and 2017. Within the population aged 15 years and over, the majority of young people within the educational attainment category of ‘None’ to ‘Primary’ were male, indicating that significant numbers of the male population tend to leave formal education at the completion of the primary level. More females completed secondary and tertiary education, with females making up 54 percent of total population that completed tertiary education. Samoa’s youth (15-29 years) constitute 44% of the total ‘working age’ population in Samoa however unemployment rates have been rising (14.5%) especially for youth (31.9%) and women (21.3%), with the youth unemployment rate6 projected to reach 19.7% in 2021 for males and females aged 15-24 without work but available for and seeking employment. Women make up a large portion of the informal sector and 60% of unpaid domestic care work7, with female unemployment doubled that of the men in 20178. 37.3% of the employed population work mainly in the informal sector and despite government legislation and efforts, incidences of child labour and income inequality remain. Hardship and vulnerability are higher among the unemployed and individuals working in the informal sector. Prior to the onset of COVID-19 impacts, Samoa’s people and economy had been impacted by the loss of jobs following the closure of the biggest manufacturing company (Yazaki Electrical Distribution System Ltd) in Samoa in 2017, the effects of Tropical Cyclone Gita in February 2018, and followed by the measles outbreak in 2019.

1.2.1 COVID-19 Impacts Household vulnerability and hardship are expected to increase due to loss of incomes and rising costs of local and imported foods, caused by cost increases in fuel and food production inputs. The local goods component of the August 2022 CPI increased by 8.5 percent on a year- on-year (y-o-y) basis as a result of higher prices for local food and meals, airline fares, phone calls and internet. The existing challenges of agricultural production and a high degree of food import dependence within the region have the potential to exacerbate the impacts of COVID- 19 responses. The Central Bank of Samoa announced an underlying inflation rate of 10.4% (Central Bank of Samoa, 2022) based on concerns for continuing delays and declines in 5 https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/WSM/samoa/healthcare-spending 6 https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/WSM/samoa/youth-unemployment-rate 7 Samoa Labour Force Survey (2017), Samoa Bureau of Statistics (SBS) 8 Samoa Labour Force Survey (2017), Samoa Bureau of Statistics (SBS) 7 National Social Protection Policy Framework tourism, business services, transport, and the communications sector resulting in a 12 percent contraction in GDP in real terms. Almost a quarter of Samoan households have members engaged in activities linked to tourism and transport9, which were significantly impacted by COVID-19. The service sector accounts for nearly three-quarters of GDP and employs approximately 65 percent of the formally employed labour force (roughly 30 percent of the population). About 11 percent of the population, more than 20,000 people, were registered as employed in the formal sector in the quarter ended December 31, 2021. The Samoan Chamber of Commerce and Industry study on the COVID-19 Impact on Employment for Samoa Businesses (May 2020) noted that 51% (158) of respondent businesses had made staff redundant and 55% of staff had taken voluntary leave without pay (LWOP). The businesses that implemented LWOP provisions were Hotels and Accommodations (70%), Primary Production (67%) and Transport (59%). However more than 63% of household population age 15 years or above who are currently unemployed or inactive, were employed before COVID-19 pandemic. Current socio-economic conditions in Samoa have deteriorated further as COVID-19 impacts continue to weaken investment, human capital, and productivity and diminish inclusive growth, simultaneously increasing costs of living while reducing Samoan families’ livelihoods. The ongoing war in Ukraine continues to exacerbate hardship conditions in Samoa as petroleum prices increased by 11% and 20% for unleaded and diesel respectively during May to June 2022; while seeds and fertilizer prices also increased by 50%. The Samoan Bureau of Statistics (SBS) August CPI report recorded significant increases in the transport index (up by 31.3 per cent), communication (28.4 per cent) and food and non-alcoholic beverages (10.3 per cent). In addition to recovering from COVID-19 impacts, national efforts are focussed on enhancing opportunities to meet economic, social, and environmental needs and vulnerability to climate change and disasters including health crises, aligned with Samoa 2040 vision proposing investments on increasing resilience to external shocks, "including natural disasters, public health emergencies, and the effects of climate change." The National Social Protection Policy Framework (NSPPF) complements other national policies and sector plans to ensure equitable access to services and opportunities for those in hardship, including elderly and persons with disabilities, and strengthen social security for all workers. Investments in national social protection systems can make significant contributions to preventing and reducing poverty, inequality, and insecurity. The development of affordable and sustainable social protection measures, including active labour market programs, are integral to alleviating hardship, enhancing social well-being, and recovering from shocks when they occur. 9 SBS Statistical Abstract 2020 8 National Social Protection Policy Framework CHAPTER 2: POLICY FRAMEWORK FOCUS The National Social Protection Policy Framework builds from the existing social assistance, social insurance and active labour market programs to support equity, resilience, and opportunity for different groups of vulnerable people when they experience different risks (economic, social, employment, health, natural disasters, and climate change). It promotes the development of human capital of vulnerable and excluded people through equitable access to health services, support to pursue their education and access to productive work to improve circumstances for themselves and their families and be more resilient to shocks. This policy framework also enables Samoa to bring together the main components of social protection into a single, coherent policy, programme and planning response framework.

2.1 Purpose To provide an integrated policy framework directing the development of social protection in Samoa, including the identification of key roles of various actors (government and non- government) and developing clear coordinating, monitoring and evaluation arrangements. The policy framework aims to promote an inclusive, sustainable and responsive social protection that provides appropriate and complementary assistance, and conditional support and opportunities to those that need it the most. The policy framework adopts a twin-track approach to i. foster equity by reducing hardship and inequality, promoting equal opportunity, and minimising exclusion to existing opportunities through lifecycle social protection measures; and ii. build the resilience of individuals and households to withstand shocks when they occur through adaptive social protection measures. The purpose is encompassed by these core overlapping streams: ❖ Strengthen links between social assistance, social insurance and active labour market programs; ❖ Enable shock-responsive social protection measures to include preparedness, coping and adaptation components for identified vulnerable people or groups; ❖ Promote gender equality across contributory and non-contributory social protection programs; Samoa recognises vulnerabilities are multifaceted, therefore social protection policies and programs need to cut across multiple sectors to ensure that no one is left behind. Coherence among social protection policies and other policy areas is imperative. Therefore, the NSPPF operates as a cross-cutting mechanism for a coordinated and holistic approach, involving various stakeholders including national government ministries and organisations, district and village councils, the private sector, development partners, civil society organisations, and service providers. 9 National Social Protection Policy Framework

2.2 Guiding Principles The central means of social protection remain: ▪ productive work that yields sufficient income and expands choice; ▪ strong families; and ▪ the socio-cultural ties that bind us together as Samoans. The development of social protection policies and programs under this policy framework will be guided by the following principles: ❖ Ownership and Responsibility: Promotes self-reliance; respect and that productive work can yield sufficient income and provide opportunities for personal choice; strengthen families; and the socio-cultural ties that bind us together as Samoans. The policy will enable Government and communities to provide support to those in vulnerable circumstances to be able to become stable and take ownership of the available assistance rendered to them. ❖ Inclusiveness and Equity: Support social and economic inclusion by enhancing the capabilities of vulnerable groups to enable equitable access to social insurance, social assistance, employment, education and training and social services. This Policy will also support equity in opportunity, accessibility and outcomes to guarantee effective participation by all vulnerable groups. ❖ Gender Responsiveness: Gender sensitivity of Social Protection policies and programs will consider the particular vulnerabilities that girls and boys, women and men face, and focus on addressing gender inequalities to ensure that the design and implementation of social protection programs reduce these inequalities. In addition, the policy will ensure gender mainstreaming in budgets for social protection interventions. ❖ Capacity and Adaptability: Maintain flexibility and responsiveness to adapt to changing contexts, which requires the update of social protection strategies and policies in accordance with changing socio-economic conditions. ❖ Evidence Based: social protection policy and programs must be designed based on evidence and evaluation information to ensure higher impacts and value-for money of investments in social protection. ❖ Affordability & Sustainability: Social protection policies and programs will consider the government’s fiscal sustainability goal through increasing efficiency and utilizing public finance management systems for effective implementation. Affordable combinations of social protection policies and programs will be selected to meet greatest needs being identified as providing value-for-money and will be extended over time according to those needs depending on the availability of financial, human and other resources. ❖ Adequacy and Coverage: It will ensure that sufficient support and resources are provided to enable the effective participation of all vulnerable groups to address risks and cope with shocks specific to their circumstances. ❖ Integration & coordination: the social protection policy framework promotes synergies among ministries, agencies, programs and interventions to reduce hardship and protect our most vulnerable citizens. Effective use and coordination of scarce resources will be ensured by reducing unnecessary duplication and overlap with 10 National Social Protection Policy Framework respect to interventions, mechanisms and efforts, as well as identifying modern processes that can strengthen integration of management information systems. ❖ Community Engagement: The designs and delivery of the social protection policy and programs will involve all levels of society. The engagement of local community mechanisms such as the village committees, district councils and religious groups, as well as the private sector to work closely with Government agencies, will ensure improved awareness of social protection interventions and their eligibility criteria and extend the reach of social protection at the grassroots level. Figure 2 Guiding Principles of NSPPF In addition to these principles, any policy and program will be screened against the following considerations to highlight the resilience of vulnerable individuals and groups by ensuring that: ❖ ‘No one is left behind’ - i. Does this benefit the most vulnerable in our society, such as children, women and men who are unable to provide for themselves? ii. How does the policy or program support vulnerable individuals who require assistance when they are ill, injured, living with disability or become unemployed? iii. How does the policy or program help vulnerable persons during a natural disaster or state emergency? ❖ ‘Do no harm’ – i. Does the approach damage or reduce the benefits already in place? ii. Does it undermine positive social norms? iii. Does it build social capital and enable other policies? ❖ ‘No Discrimination’ – i. Are beneficiaries treated without discrimination but with dignity, respect, and fairness regardless of their sex, age, disability, cultural, religious, or socio- economic status across all demographic and economic groups and geographical locations? 11 National Social Protection Policy Framework

2.3 Targeting in Social Protection Policies A comprehensive social protection policy ensures that all citizens have access to social protection when it is needed and for the period it is required. In order to identify and ensure that all vulnerable citizens are taken care of, policies and programs need to include eligibility criteria and targeting methods. This ensures that social protection helps to build individual human capital and resilience including labour market, education and training, health and nutrition, and disaster risk management and resilience. Mechanisms need to be developed to identify eligible beneficiaries who will participate in social protection programs on a national, district and village level. The following mechanisms will help districts correctly identify vulnerable groups as part of their District Development Program Initiatives (DDPI).

2.3.1 Types of Targeting Common indicators used to identify vulnerable groups include categories of excluded persons such as non-working elderly, children or Persons Living with Disabilities, single head of households, combined with low levels of income or consumption in households. It is important to map the range of risks present and develop relevant programs to protect the vulnerable groups from the risks identified. There are several targeting methods used to establish the criteria for selecting beneficiaries of a social protection program. • Universal programs: non-contributory, without a means-test, for broad population coverage and usually tax-financed • Categorical targeting is based on individual characteristics such as age (elderly or children) pregnancy, student, unemployment or a disability. • Geographic targeting is used to identify particular regions or areas (such as disaster affected) where benefits of a program are distributed to all households within that geographic area. • Household or individual poverty targeting uses established indicators of hardship or vulnerability to identify households and individuals in need of assistance through social protection programs. • Community-based targeting: uses community perceptions of poverty and vulnerability to establish eligibility factors. • Self-selection targeting relies on only people who really need assistance, and meet the eligibility criteria, choosing to participate in the program, such as a public works program that provides in-kind or minimal cash benefits. Greater consistency in targeting mechanisms used across sectors are needed to ensure social protection beneficiaries are correctly identified and able to access the support being provided to enable their social and economic participation. 12 National Social Protection Policy Framework Samoa’s multi-dimensional poverty index10 will be used together with existing income poverty measures namely the food poverty line (FPL) and basic needs poverty line (BNPL) to determine the vulnerable persons and households. Vulnerability is expressed as exposure to risk combined with an inability to cope or reduce the capacity of an individual, a household, community, region, or nation to respond to the impacts of shocks. “Social protection policies and programs will use official data collected at the village and district level combined with national hardship and vulnerability data (including National Census data, household income and expenditure survey data, Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index data, Labour Force and Agricultural surveys and other relevant data) to identify individuals experiencing hardship, vulnerability and exclusion.”

2.4 Policy Alignment

2.4.1 Global The main policy instruments guiding the development of social protection at the global level are the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda or SDGs (with its commitment to poverty reduction); the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (which enshrines the right to social security); the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child (which specifically emphasizes children’s rights to social protection); and the 1995 UN Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women. The ILO Social Protection Floors Recommendation, 2012 (No. 202) (which recommended that member States establish and maintain social protection floors as a fundamental element of their national social security system); and the ILO Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1952 (No. 102) further sets minimum standard on social security. Figure 3 Social Protection Alignment

2.4.2 Regional (sub-Regional) The 2014 SAMOA Pathway Statements 24 and 78 state that ‘in order to achieve sustained, inclusive and equitable growth with full and productive employment, social protection and the creation of decent work for all, small island developing states, in partnership with the international community, will seek to increase investment in the education and training of their people’, and that Small Island Developing Statement (SIDS) Governments (and High-level Representatives) ‘therefore support efforts to enhance social protection and inclusion, to 13 10 SBS Multi-dimensional poverty index 2022 report National Social Protection Policy Framework improve well-being and to guarantee opportunities for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged’.

2.4.3 National Level The Constitution of Samoa sets out a fundamental right to life (Article 5), the right to personal liberty (Article 6) and that all persons are equal before the law and entitled to equal protection (Article 15). This guarantees equal rights for Samoan men and women including rights to resources and land11. The Samoa 2040 states our ambition to raise incomes, accelerate employment creation and improve the standard of living of every Samoan household. The Pathway for the Development of Samoa’s goal is to ensure ‘Samoa’s society and citizens are protected against the risks of vulnerability, poverty, inequality and exclusion through their life cycle.’

2.4.4 Sector Level The Sector Plans of relevant sectors outline the different focus areas including social protection interventions to support vulnerable persons within the country. The respective policies aligned to social protection across relevant sectors are illustrated in Figure 4 below and are further explained in detailed in Annex 1. Figure 4 Social Protection Sector-level Plans and Policies

2.4.5 District Level The district development program policy framework outlines the need for all 51 districts to develop district development plans aligned to the Pathway for the Development of Samoa and target demand driven development needs of the district. It also highlights eligible initiatives under key priority areas including social wellbeing, education, health, culture development, agriculture & fisheries, tourism, sports development, environment & climate change, infrastructure & finance investments. 14 11 Samoa 2017 CEDAW Report, Government of Samoa National Social Protection Policy Framework CHAPTER 3: SAMOA’S SOCIAL PROTECTION SYSTEM

3.1 Social Protection in Samoa’s Context Samoan citizens benefit from the care, support and protection provided by family, church, and community. Traditional and informal forms of community support provide an important buffer against short-term economic and social shocks, but struggle to manage widespread covariate shocks, such as natural disasters, economic recession, disease outbreaks and global pandemics. Churches and NGOs continue to play an important role in daily social service provision for vulnerable groups and communities and in response to natural disasters. Remittances sent from family overseas sustain incomes of Samoan households, supplementing the kinship system, fa’a Samoa, that traditionally supports an individual’s family (aiga) and village households during short-term social and economic shocks.12 Notwithstanding its virtues in terms of stable sources of income transfer, promoting social cohesion, social capital and providing a safety net cushion in Samoa, the main concerns with the informal social protection are its irregularity and unpredictability.13 Figure 5 Social Protection Context in Samoa Figure 5 above acknowledges that the significant contributions of Community, Civil Society Organisations (CSO), Faith Based Organizations (FBO), Non-Government Organizations (NGO) and others, complements the Government’s Social Protection Programs to help the vulnerable in Samoa. This policy framework complements the traditional and informal social 12 International Labour Organisation. (2006). Social Protection for All Men and Women: A Sourcebook for Extending Social Security Coverage in Fiji – Options and Plans. 13 15 Bazul Haque Khondker, PhD (2021) Review and Development of Social Protection Systems in Samoa - UNDP National Social Protection Policy Framework support systems provided by these key players by providing support during and after natural disasters, economic crises, disease outbreaks, global pandemics, and over the long-term for individuals excluded from employment through age, disability, geographic conditions or individual circumstances.

3.2 Lifecycle Social Protection A significant majority of individuals and households in Samoa do not have personal safety nets. To address this, social assistance, social insurance, and active labour market programs are designed to sustain household incomes and livelihoods, and support longer-term efforts to facilitate economic recovery and build resilience. Therefore, the combination of in-kind and cash assistance can help to provide a safety net for vulnerable populations in Samoa and promote economic recovery and resilience.

3.2.1 Social Assistance Social assistance – “A set of policies and programmes providing non-contributory transfers in cash, vouchers, or in-kind aimed at preventing or protecting excluded persons against hardship, vulnerability and shocks that occur throughout their life-course based on categories of vulnerability and/or low-income households.” In Samoa, social assistance programs have been implemented to provide universal access to support for priority vulnerable citizens including elderly or have a disability. This support is provided in the form of cash or in-kind assistance for targeted beneficiaries as categorized in Table 1. These initiatives are fully funded under the Government’s national budget on an annual basis. Table 1 Existing Social Assistance Programs Pillar Existing Social Coverage Protection Description Type Social Senior Citizens Benefit ▪ ST200/month for all 65 years and above; Cash Assistance ▪ Free pharmaceuticals and inter-island ferry travel; In-kind ▪ Free public healthcare; In-kind Disability Benefit ▪ ST100/month for universal birth to 64 Cash years; Overseas Medical ▪ Full coverage of medical costs for In-kind Treatment Scheme overseas treatments; Public Health Care ▪ Free medical consultation for pregnant In-kind women and children; ▪ Free pharmaceuticals for NCD; In-kind Government ▪ Free tuition fees and associated costs In-kind Scholarship Scheme for successful applicants; One Government Grant ▪ Subsidized school fees for children in In-kind Early childhood, Primary and Secondary education (Pre-school & Year 1-11); 16 National Social Protection Policy Framework Shelter Financing ▪ Subsidized basic housing and hygiene In-Kind facilities for vulnerable households and administered by selected NGOs; Community Social well- ▪ Grants to NGOs for community focused In-Kind being support to NGOs NCD programs and domestic violence awareness These Government initiatives complement other social assistance programs offered by the private sector in terms of scholarships, and communities and NGOs in terms of support to vulnerable people such as sanitation assistance and shelter financing.

3.2.2 Social Insurance Social insurance – Social insurance are contributory schemes providing income support and health care services in the event of illness, injury, disability, unemployment, pregnancy, old age, other shocks, and operate according to insurance principles of pooling risks. This means that a group of individuals pay contributions into a fund, which is then used to pay benefits to those participants who suffer the occurrence of the relevant risk. Social insurance funds are usually compulsory and based on employment. Every employee and their employer contribute to the social insurance pooled fund, often according to a percentage of the employee's periodical earnings. Social insurance programs in Samoa provide a form of life cycle prevention and protection against the risks of vulnerability, hardships, and poverty. These programs support individuals to avoid hardship when affected by shocks, and help individuals to be financially independent in retirement. The SNPF retirement and ACC contributory schemes are designed to expand and strengthen coverage for a more comprehensive protection of workers in the formal sector. While these schemes have the advantage of covering all formal workers, they exclude the workers, who often work in the informal economy. This means that social insurance may not provide coverage for the most vulnerable members of society who are not employed in the formal sector. Table 2 Existing Social Insurance programs Pillar Existing Social Coverage Protection Description Type Social SNPF Contribution ▪ Formal worker’s contribution: 10% of Cash Insurance pay complemented by employers 10% matching contribution; Cash ▪ Voluntary contribution 14(formal & informal): ST100-ST2000 per month; 14 17 Include RSE workers under the NZ Scheme National Social Protection Policy Framework ACC Contribution ▪ Formal worker’s contribution: 1% of Cash pay complemented by the employers 1% matching contribution; ▪ Formal workers benefit: - Care Living Allowance (up to 60% Cash of wage) and Mobility allowance15; These social insurance measures are complemented by other initiatives including the Samoa Life Assurance policies (administered by SLAC) and other private medical and life insurance policies.

3.2.3 Labour Market Programs Labour market programs (LMPs) encompass a range of measures, including vocational and skills training, employment subsidies, support for micro-enterprise creation, and labour market services such as wage subsidies, that aim to incentivize rehiring and foster skills development to address the challenges of the post-COVID economy16. Passive labour market programs, such as unemployment benefits or early retirement policies, provide temporary financial support to individuals who are temporarily or permanently out of work. These programs can be funded through social insurance contributions or government social assistance, and they are typically implemented to address structural adjustments in the labour market. In contrast, active labour market programs aim to support individuals in their efforts to engage or re-engage in the labour market. These programs often involve skills training or retraining, as well as employment incentives, wage subsidies, or other measures that are designed to support individuals with disabilities. Despite the existence of some of these policies in Samoa, there is a need to better target ALMPs towards the most vulnerable and excluded workers to ensure their successful integration into the labour market. These workers may require support in the form of vocational training, assistance in job searches, wage subsidies or public works programs, and support for micro-enterprises or micro- entrepreneurs. Under this policy, government funding of active labour market programs will prioritize improving employment outcomes for low-skilled and vulnerable workers. Table 3 Existing Labour Marker Programs Pillar Existing SOCIAL Coverage PROTECTION Description Type LABOUR Apprenticeship ▪ 30% fees paid by employer; In-kind MARKET Programs ▪ 50% fees paid by Government; PROGRAMS (administered by MCIL ▪ 20% fees paid by apprentice; & implemented by NUS) 15 ACC Amendment Act 2009 Section 33(a) 16 “From Containment to Recovery” East Asia and Pacific Economic Update (October) World Bank, 2020 18 National Social Protection Policy Framework PSET & TVET Programs ▪ Scholarships for eligible students In-kind from vulnerable families provided for under Government Budget; Labour Mobility ▪ New Zealand Recognised Seasonal In-kind Schemes Worker (RSE) scheme; ▪ Pacific Australia Labour Mobility In-kind (PALM) scheme; ▪ American Samoa employment In-kind opportunities; Online employment ▪ Opportunities for unemployed to find In-kind registry (MCIL) suitable employment; Some professional bodies including the Institute of Professional Engineers in Samoa (IPES), Samoa Law Society (SLS) and the Samoa Institute of Accountants (SIA) offer scholarships for students from vulnerable households at the National University of Samoa (NUS) and short - term training to further skills enhancement. In addition, active labour market programs that complement Government efforts are being implemented by Samoa Chamber of Commerce including Youth Internship Program, Youth Co Lab, Youth Entrepreneurs Council. These are made possible with the support of various development partners.

3.3 Crisis Responsive Social Protection Adaptive Social Protection refers to ‘’existing and new programmes adjusted to provide rapid, temporary, emergency-focused support to vulnerable persons impacted by natural disasters, economic shocks, disease outbreaks and pandemics.’’ Samoa has taken proactive steps to address the risks and impacts of natural disasters and health emergencies. The development of the National Disaster Management Plan17 and Disaster Risk Financing Policy18 are important instruments that provide guidance for disaster response and risk reduction activities. The table below outlines Social Protection measures that were implemented in response to previous crises. Samoa will continue to invest in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation measures for strengthening infrastructure and building codes, enhancing early warning systems, and promoting community-based disaster preparedness and resilience. A crisis responsive capacity will enable a rapid scale up coverage of Social Protection programs to reach impacted populations and vulnerable groups before and during a disaster or crisis occurring, then gradually scaled back as recovery proceeds. Adaptive Social Protection approaches will be implemented within Samoa’s existing social protection and sector programs to prevent long-term harm to human capital and support vulnerable groups to recover.19 17 18 Samoa-national-disaster-management-plan-2017-2020-final-web.pdf (mnre.gov.ws) Microsoft Word - 20220907 Disaster Risk Financing Policy for Samoa Final (mof.gov.ws) 19 19 World Bank, 2020 National Social Protection Policy Framework By prioritizing the most vulnerable populations, Samoa is demonstrating a commitment to promoting social equity and ensuring that everyone has access to the necessary resources and support during times of crisis. Social protection programs will be responsive to the dynamic nature of vulnerability using adaptive delivery systems to update individual recipient information at any time, adjust benefit amounts, timing of payments and add new recipients for existing programmes or for temporary relief from significant shocks. Table 4 Crisis Social Protection Response Shock SOCIAL PROTECTION Response Type Responsible Agencies Cyclone Emergency shelter for displaced people (including In-kind MOH Evan elderly, pregnant mothers, children and babies) (2012)20 Distribution of emergency supplies: food items/non- In-kind NEOC food items Housing Loan concessional facility Cash SHC DBS Credit Facility for specific sectors focused Cash MOF/DBS primarily on cyclone recovery Special dividend pay-out of NPF contributions Cash SNPF Cyclone Evacuation centres for displaced persons In-kind NEOC Amos Distribution of supplies to the affected population (2016) Cyclone Food and Water for Evacuation sites In-kind NEOC/ADRA Gita Relief distribution for food and non-food items to In-kind NEOC (2018)21 affected families Temporary housing of displace evacuees due to In-kind NEOC cyclone impact (flooding) Donations - emergency kits, non-food items, food kits, In-kind ADRA/Rotary club/ water tanks Red Cross/ Caritas Measles Vaccination campaigns for the whole population In-kind NEOC/MOH (2019) Education and awareness campaigns In-kind NEOC/MOH Donations to affected families Cash and NGOs In-kind Free vaccination roll-out programs for children and In-kind MOH infants at communities COVID-19 Recovery assistance to all registered businesses Cash MOF (2020- 3 months’ rent free for businesses tenants including In-kind ACC/MOF 2022)22 market vendors at Government buildings (DBS, SLC, ACC) Interest relief for business loans through commercial In-kind MOF/CBS/Commercial banks23 Banks One-off pension top-up of ST300 and ST100 Cash MOF/SNPF 20 Information extracted from Samoa Post-disaster Needs Assessment Cyclone Evan 2012 (*SAMOA_PDNA_Cyclone_Evan_2012.pdf (mnre.gov.ws)) 21 National Initial Damage Assessment & Response Report Tropical Cyclone Gita 9-10 February 2018. Prepared by Disaster Advisory Committee for National Disaster Council (report not published) 22 23 COVID19 Stimulus Packages Phase I & II 20 Interest relief of 2% for both businesses and household loans National Social Protection Policy Framework Assistance to NGOs working with vulnerable groups Cash MOF (Schools for PLWD, Home of the Elderly, Mental Health Institutions, DV Shelters)24 Interest relief for household loans through In-kind MOF/CBS/Commercial commercial banks Banks Electricity rate reduction In-kind EPC Water rate reduction In-kind SWA $50 pay-out to citizens for National ID data collection Cash MOF/SBS Agriculture stimulus providing replanting materials In-kind MAF and agriculture tools to farmers25 One-off wage subsidy for unemployed in the Cash MOF/SCCI hospitality and tourism sector26 Short term training for hospitality and tourism sector In-kind STA Free COVID vaccination for the whole population In-kind MOH Grants to women’s sanitation committees (komiti Cash MOF/MWCSD tumama) for community outreach DBS Credit Facility for specific sectors focused Cash MOF/DBS primarily on COVID-19 recovery Tourism sector recovery assistance Cash STA Small business recovery grants Cash SBH Special dividend pay-out of NPF contributions Cash SNPF 6 months employer SNPF contributions moratorium In-Kind SNPF for hospitality sector; 20% early withdrawal of contribution for members Cash SNPF who lost employment in hospitality sector; Cost-Of-Living relief for vulnerable groups: Cash MOF/SNPF/MWCSD ST150 top-up for pension benefit, ST100 top-up for disability benefit; These targeted interventions meant that the government was able to respond to disasters, reduce the risks of future events, and help communities recover. Government efforts were complemented by initiatives implemented by the private sector and communities including the Church. 24 Divine Mercy, Goshen Trust, SVSG, Mapuifagalele, NOLA, Faataua le Ola, Senese, Loto Taumafai 25 Farmers registered with Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries 26 Implementation of the wage subsidy was done through different categories. (1) Redundant employees (2) Employees on leave without 21 pay (3) Employees with reduced hours National Social Protection Policy Framework CHAPTER 4: INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT, MONITORING & EVALUATION

4.1 Social Protection Delivery Systems Integrated delivery systems support the policy framework’s aim of alignment, inclusion and efficiency proportionate to Samoa’s population size of approximately 205,500 individuals residing in around 31,000 households predominantly in rural areas27. The core components of a social protection delivery system include: 1. Assessment of needs 2. Enrolment into appropriate social protection programs 3. Provision of program entitlements 4. Management of social protection recipient information Social protection delivery systems may use different enrolment processes for social assistance, active labour market and disaster response programs but similar provision of program entitlements such as payment of benefits. The policy framework operating environment includes the implementation phases of the delivery chain, the main actors, and enabling factors that contribute to an effective and efficient delivery of Social Protection benefits. Social Protection can use both on- demand systems and administrator-driven approaches according to the nature of the program and the associated implementation requirements. Existing delivery systems for social protection programs include the Government budget and SNPF disbursement mechanisms28. Enrolment of SNPF members is facilitated through workplaces, with the provision of program entitlements and management of member information managed by SNPF. Voluntary enrolment in SNPF is on-demand. Enrolment of vulnerable groups and households for social assistance programs has been implemented at the local level, with assessment of eligibility and entitlements by the Ministry/Agency responsible for the relevant policy, and payment of benefits through available disbursement mechanisms, including SNPF. In support of financial inclusion for vulnerable persons, cash based social protection programs will use payment mechanisms relevant to program features. Affordability of e-money, e-payments and mobile money to vulnerable persons; the profitability for payment service providers (PSP); and the ease, cost and regularity of the payment process for Social Protection recipients, are critical considerations in the design of payment delivery systems. Financial Literacy training will be provided to ensure effective use of appropriate delivery mechanisms. Building upon existing Government program enrolment and assessment mechanisms, administrative data can be augmented with disaggregated vulnerability and hardship 27 Samoa Population and Housing Census 2021 Basic Tables (2022) Samoan Bureau of Statistics www.sbs.gov.ws 22 28 Includes Money Transfer Operators, Mobile money providers (MyCash Wallet and M-Tala), Commercial Banks and Samoa Post Office National Social Protection Policy Framework indicators and used by SBS to formulate official statistics on social protection that can be used for timely and accurate targeting of vulnerable groups during their life-cycle and in crisis as well as impact assessments and evaluation. Implementation of the National ID will facilitate the development of shared client interfaces along the delivery chain and integration/interoperability of information systems that support Cross-Ministerial data sharing to reduce requirements on vulnerable persons for multiple provision of information and promote inclusive service provision.

4.2 Institutional Arrangement The institutional arrangement for the NSPPF is illustrated in Figure 6 below clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the responsible Government agencies. Figure 6 Institutional, Coordination and M&E The Cabinet provides the overall oversight of the Social Protection Policy Framework and approval of Social Protection policies and programs in alignment with the key objectives of the Pathway for the Development of Samoa. A number of Cabinet Advisory Committees are established to oversee the implementation of Social Protection policies and programs including the Budget and Policy Roll-out Cabinet Committee, Cabinet Development Committee (CDC) and the District Development Program Steering Committee. The Ministry of Finance with its national planning role will coordinate implementation of this policy framework while the various Government ministries and agencies implement the Social 23 National Social Protection Policy Framework Protection policies and programs as mandated, in collaboration with the private sector and communities. Sector Advisory Committees are responsible for approval and monitoring of sector policies including social protection policies and programs, such as the Education Sector Advisory Committee (ESAC), the Health Programme Advisory Committee (HPAC) and others. There are also Multi-Sector Advisory Committees such as the National Policy Coordinating Committee (NPCC) which provides the final review of proposed policies including social protection before submission to Cabinet for approval. All Relevant ministries and key agencies ensure the development and implementation of any policy, considers the integration of guiding principles of the national social protection policy framework. When a State of Emergency is declared in response to external shocks (health emergencies, financial crisis and natural disasters), the Cabinet forms the National Disaster Council, ministries collaborate through the Disaster Advisory Committee and the National Emergency Operation Committee is activated as detailed in the National Disaster Management Plan. Additionally, Health Emergency Operation Centre is activated for health emergencies.

4.3 Monitoring Monitoring will be led by Government using existing mechanisms to report on implementation progress of Social Protection policies and programs. These reporting mechanisms include: • Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) – the review will assess national progress made by Samoa in implementing the 2030 agenda. • PDS M&E framework – The Ministry of Finance (Economic Policy and Planning Division) will be responsible for monitoring the execution of the NSPPF through the PDS M&E framework. • Sector Mid-term and Annual Reviews – The Mid-term and Annual reviews are done by all 14 sectors to report on the progress of sector activities including the impacts of implementing Social Protection policies and programs. • Ministry Annual Reports – Annual reports of ministries and SOEs to Parliament will include the implementation of relevant Social Protection policies and programs linking to key performance indicators that are aligned to corporate plans and sector plans outcomes.

4.4 Evaluation The NSPPF will be evaluated according to its purpose and guiding principles, in the context of the PDS and in consideration of the multi-dimensional poverty index for Samoa. The NSPPF Monitoring and Evaluation will comprise 4 levels: Impacts –assessing the results of the Social Protection policies and programs in the medium term linked to PDS Key Performance Indicators and over the longer term linked to Samoa 2040 goals. 24 National Social Protection Policy Framework Principles – assessing the NSPPF implementation against the guiding principles Outcomes – following the full implementation of specific Social Protection policy or program, each program will be assessed annually against specific goals including improvements in coverage, adequacy and livelihoods as well as the combined effects for households and communities (multiplier effects). Outputs – immediate, measurable results of specific Social Protection programs in targeting accuracy of vulnerable individuals and groups and their participation, the direct provision of benefits and their ability to access identified services or programs. 25 National Social Protection Policy Framework ANNEXES

Annex 1: Policy Alignment Sector Policy Description Finance Finance Sector Plan The Plan’s vision of Macroeconomic Stability for Samoa’s Resilient and Inclusive Growth reflects the theme of the PDS 2022-2026 of “empowering communities, building resilience and inspiring growth through; i) developing budgets that reflect the national needs and outcomes especially in human and social development, while funding and monitoring their execution to unlock opportunities for all; ii) improve financial capacity and financial literacy through its NFI program. Sector Planning Manual (2015) Highlights “Climate change and vulnerable groups, including gender equity, are priority issues for investment by Sector Plans that cut across all sectors and these issues need recognition and incorporation into each Sector Plan and program”. Specifically, the Sector Planning Manual 2015 further notes that “end of Sector Plan outcomes and programs need to be developed in all Sector Plans for vulnerable groups, gender equity and climate change”. National Financial Inclusion Highlights the need to ensure inclusive access to financial Strategy products and services, and will be an enabler for inclusive development especially in times of shocks. The strategy also advocates for financial literacy and in developing opportunities that can assist the most vulnerable. Senior Citizens Benefit Fund The Senior Citizens Benefit Fund (SCBF) was established in (SCBF) 1990. This Scheme is fully funded by the Government of Samoa and it is administered by the Board of the National Provident Fund. It covers citizens and permanent residence living in Samoa that has attained 65 years. Benefits: • Monthly pension of $200 per month for life. • Free travel between Savaii and Upolu on the Government ferries. • Free consultation at the Government hospitals. Free medical supplies at the Government Pharmacies and one only free set of dentures at the Government hospitals. Disaster Risk Financing Policy The Disaster Risk Financing Policy provides a framework aims to protect and safeguard the people and the economy from the adverse impacts of disasters through the use of a layered approach and a set of disaster risk financing instruments available and accessed by Government of Samoa in times of climate disasters or health emergencies. Samoa Multidimensional The main objective is to monitor key simultaneous Poverty Index disadvantages that affect poor people multi-dimensionally both at the national and regional levels. The statistical information and analysis provided can be used to target poor people and vulnerable groups, resource allocation to have the 26 National Social Protection Policy Framework biggest poverty impact, coordinate multi-sectoral policies and approaches and to manage interventions and make evidence- based policy adjustments that will accelerate impact. 29 Community Community Development Plan Represents a wide critical national and sectoral policy and (CDP) planning instrument in terms of promoting inclusive development. This is readily apparent in its collective aspirations for our communities through, ‘Empowering communities to lead inclusive development for improved quality of life for all’. Vulnerable populations, inclusive of PLWDs, feature strongly across the activities and indicators of the four key sector outcome areas; namely: Improved Inclusive Governance at all levels Improved Social Outcomes for the most vulnerable in our communities Economic Empowerment of vulnerable individuals, families and villages Capacity Building, Communication and Strategic Development for the Community Sector Stakeholders. National Policy for Gender Recognizes that women and men are equal partners in the Equality development of Samoa and recognizes global and national human rights principles National Policy on Gender The policy substantial education policy adjustments to increase Equality & Rights of Women & the engagement of girls with vocational training and STEM, Girls increase the number of boys in secondary schooling, and reduce high drop-out rates especially in rural areas. It also recommends the development of vocational training programmes for women including incentives for women to work in non-traditional employment fields. Safer Families Stronger This Policy has been developed by the Ministry of Women, Communities Policy Community and Social Development to implement an integrated approach to prevention, early intervention, and response to domestic and family violence, including children. The Policy focuses on the elimination of violence in the family, especially violence against women and children and was developed to help Samoa respond to the serious and widespread problem of violence in the family and community. Samoa Child Care and Aims to prevent and address current and emerging issues and Protection National Policy challenges concerning the care and protection of children in Samoa. National Policy for Persons Provide a national disability-inclusive development agenda for with Disabilities Samoa. Progressing disability-inclusive development in Samoa Disability-inclusive development is further aligned to the Community Development Sector Plan’s (CDSP) 2016-2021. The National Policy on Disability endorses the initiatives already taken by the Ministry of Education Sports and Culture (MESC) with respect to the development of “inclusive education” in Samoa. 29 27 Samoa’s Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index 2022 National Social Protection Policy Framework Trade, Trade Commerce and Pillar 3 of the TCM Sector Plan puts emphasis on Enhancing Commerce & Manufacturing Sector Plan Market Access and Visibility for Samoan Goods and Service by Manufacturing increasing labour mobility in foreign markets to ensure consistent financial support for beneficiaries and their families. The Sector has also continued to lead trade development and promotion services through the coordination of WTO and PACER Plus commitments, implementation of the PICTA and pursuit of trade arrangements with American Samoa. Samoa National Employment Help to ensure economic recovery is inclusive by promoting Policy greater gender equality in Samoan workplaces through new labour standards on how to employ domestic workers, annual leave, the number of working hours, and associated rest periods, as well as the application of the minimum wage. Also promote integrated policy interventions at the Government level and includes policies for youth unemployment, gender issues, skills recovery, growth, and sustained development. Micro, Small and Medium The policy aims to increase the number of MSME participating Enterprise (MSME) in the formal economy, grow employment in MSMEs especially Development Policy for women owned MSMEs, grow MSME participation in tourism; agribusiness including manufacturing and niche food processing; and professional services including digital information technology services sectors. The policy also highlights the importance of financial literacy training for current and future micro and small enterprises. Education Education Sector Plan The Education Sector Plan has five Sector Goals with one being to Provide everyone with access to good quality education and training opportunities by mainstreaming students with disability in regular schools and also the options for students with disabilities to be admitted to PSET. The Sector also looked at the advent of TVET at secondary level as another way to provide better pathways for students and help them see the relevance of staying in school and gaining qualifications. One Government Grant Provides a consolidated funding allocation for schools (Early Childhood Education, Primary, Secondary, TVET and Special Schools for disabled children) and all school resources and provisions based on the number of enrolled students in each school. The formula for the “One Government Grant” provides additional funding based on the number of students with special needs to support inclusive education Inclusive Education Policy Boys and girls with a disability from rural and remote areas in primary and secondary school ages several pilots have been implemented and guidance on how to handle students’ needs, so they stay in school and receive an education. Free education for all. National School Technical and The policy put forward targeted policy areas that will lead to Vocational Education Training improving TVET in secondary schools and ultimately provide (TVET) Policy young people with opportunities to not only grow educationally, find employment but also make informed decisions for their future. 28 National Social Protection Policy Framework Early Childhood Education This policy aims at achieving its vision that all children in Samoa (ECE) Policy will have equal opportunities to quality education for their future. This is through the provision of a clear direction to assist any organisation or party involved in Early Childhood Education in relation to access to quality Early Childhood Programmes. This policy has been developed to further improve and support early years of child development as well as the learning and teaching environment relative to Early Childhood and Education services in Samoa. (Extracted from the ECE policy 2017) Health Heath Sector Plan The plan guided by its vision of a “healthy Samoa” denoting development intention for a healthy population for a productive society able to contribute to everyone’s welfare and well-being. To complement the vision, the sector agencies work collaboratively to “strengthen public health and primary health care to provide people-centred health services”. Samoa Overseas Medical The Overseas Treatment Scheme is based on doctors’ referral Treatment Policy for treatment unavailable locally, endorsed by MOH’s committee and approved by Cabinet. National Non-Communicable The policy objectives aim to promote health and well-being of Disease Control Policy Samoan community and improve capacity of human resources through professional developments for better response to NCD control and treatment. National Health Promotion The intention of the policy is to contribute towards pursuing Policy the Health Sector Plan’s vision with main objectives to (i) building and strengthen transformative and integrative health- in-all public policies; (ii) improve whole-of-society and community; and (iii) develop and strengthen capacities in health promotion. National Food and Nutrition The policy agenda focuses on improved nutrition health for Policy Samoa through developing and implementing interventions for improved sustainable food and nutritional focus across communities, and using the lifecycle approach for targeted interventions for women, infants and children and other vulnerable groups. Environment Natural Environment Sector The NESP outlines the Sectors vision and goals in aligned to the Plan (NESP) national plan. The four long term outcomes for the sector includes a more sustainable and resilient built environment by i) ensuring new building are 100% compliance with disaster and climate resilience standards, ii) the capacity for renewable energy electricity and, iii) improved sanitation standards as well as Climate change and disaster risk management mainstreamed across all sectors by ensuring i) climate and disaster resilience planning improved; ii) Climate and disaster resilience and responsive planning improved; iii) Climate and disaster resilience integrated into all sector plans, Ministry and implementing agencies corporate plans and; iv) 100% compliance of Ministries and implementing agencies with climate and disaster resilience plans. 29 National Social Protection Policy Framework National Disaster Management Outlines roles, responsibilities and procedures for Government Plan (NDMP) entities and communities to follow in case of a disaster. Samoa demonstrated its disaster preparedness in its response to Tropical Cyclone Gita in 2018, the measles outbreak in late 2019 and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The country’s timely activation of the National Disaster Council and National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and incorporation of lessons learned from the response to the measles outbreak contributed to Government’s swift response to COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the population’s vulnerability to COVID-19, Government imposed strict border controls and screening and quarantine mechanisms. National Early Warning System The policy outlines key elements for early warning systems Policy which includes risk knowledge, monitoring and warning service and dissemination and communication. These are critical as assessment of risk requires systematic collection and analysis of data and needs to consider the dynamic nature of hazards and vulnerabilities that arise from development processes (such as urbanization, land-use change, environmental degradation) and external changes such as climate change. Risk assessments and maps help to motivate people, prioritize Early Warning System needs and guide preparations for disaster mitigation, preparedness and responses Climate Change Policy The policy sets out a plan of action and interventions needed across all sectors including the community level to build resilience to the impacts of climate change. Law & Justice Law & Justice Sector Plan States its overarching purpose of ‘Promoting a safe, fair and just Samoa’ that supports the SDS vision for “Improved Quality of Life for All” and the goal of Social Cohesion through a safe and stable Samoa. The Sector is committed to its achievement of SDG 5; ‘Achieve Gender Equality and Empower all Women & Girls’ and SDG 16; ‘Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions’ through its sector vision; which aims to promote ‘Safe, Secure, Fair, Just and Inclusive Samoa’ Samoa National Security Policy The Policy identifies Human Security as one of the issues looking at Gender Based Violence. Gender based violence will be improved by using the Ombudsman report as a catalyst for high level whole of government examination, prioritizing the establishment of government agency or mechanism to support victims of GBV and continuing work with regional and development partners to share relevant experiences on enforcement, prosecution, deterrence, public education and victim’s welfare strategies. 30 National Social Protection Policy Framework

Annex 2: References Government of Samoa. (2013). SAMOA Post-disaster Needs Assessment Cyclone Evan 2012. Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR). Retrieved from https://www.gfdrr.org/sites/default/files/publication/SAMOA_PDNA_Cyclone_Evan_2012_0 .pdf Ministry of Finance. (2022). Disaster Risk Financing Policy 2022-2025. Apia, Samoa: Ministry of Finance. Retrieved from https://www.mof.gov.ws/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Disaster- Risk-Financing-Policy-for-Samoa-Final.pdf Ministry of Finance. (2021). Samoa 2040. Apia, Samoa: Ministry of Finance. Retrieved from https://www.mof.gov.ws/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Samoa-2040-Final.pdf Ministry of Finance. (2022). Pathway for the Development of Samoa. Apia, Samoa: Ministry of Finance. Samoa Bureau of Statistics. (2017). Samoa Labour Force Survey. Apia, Samoa: The Samoa Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.sbs.gov.ws/digi/2017-Social-Statistics-Samoa-LFS- Report-2017.pdf Samoa Bureau of Statistics. (2020). Samoa Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2018. Apia, Samoa: Samoa Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved from https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ct_G5yC4ECkogOOht5vSOEhLFdh_c-Mc/view Samoa Bureau of Statistics. (2021). Samoa Agricultural Census 2019 Report. Apia, Samoa: Samoa Bureau of Statistics. Samoa Bureau of Statistics. (2021). Samoa Population and Housing Census. Apia, Samoa: The Samoa Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.sbs.gov.ws/documents/census/2021/Census_2021_Final_Report.pdf?_t=1670 528927 Samoa Bureau of Statistics. (2022). Samoa's Multidimensional Poverty Index . Apia, Samoa: Samoa Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.sbs.gov.ws/documents/social/mpi/Samoa_MPI_Report_2022.pdf World Bank East and Asia Pacific Economic Update October 2020. (2020). From Containment to Recovery. World Bank Group. Retrieved from https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/34497/211641ov.pdf Bazul Haque Khondker, PhD (2021) Review and Development of Social Protection Systems in Samoa – Prepared for UNDP 31 National Social Protection Policy Framework