Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, has welcomed delegates to the first International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) Oceania conference to be held in the Pacific.
In her speech to open the conference Fiame reaffirmed Samoa’s commitment to the protection of human rights for all.
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The Sosaiete o Faafafine I Amerika Samoa, SOFIAS, is represented at the conference by Jaiyah Saelua, star of the soccer movie, “Last Goal Wins.” 
The 3rd ILGA Conference Oceania started at the Taumeasina Island Resort in Apia with a welcome ava ceremony last evening.
The event also celebrated 40 years since the international organization was founded in Geneva, where it’s headquartered.
With more than 1,300 groups in more than 110 countries the organization now also has a United Nations Ecosoc Consultative Status.
The next two days will see discussions on various topics with a focus on the need to change laws that are seen as discriminatory.
The conference theme is “Our islands, our rights one ocean.”
Helen Kennedy – ILGA co secretary general, urged participants to learn more about acceptance in a society for all.
