Sāmoa Ombudsman raises concerns over local news reporting of siblings’ deaths

Sāmoa’s Ombudsman has raised concerns about media coverage of the deaths of two young siblings in Nofoali‘i, saying reporting about the children went too far while Police were still investigating.

Ombudsman Vui Clarence Nelson has written an open letter expressing “deep concern” about coverage by the Sāmoa Observer, including the publication of the children’s names, ages and personal circumstances, as well as interviews with immediate relatives.

The brother and sister, from Vaialua, Nofoali'i, died last Sunday afternoon.

Acting Police Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga had confirmed the deaths to the Observer but said the circumstances remained under investigation.

At that stage, Police had not confirmed the siblings’ ages or released information about what had led to their deaths.

“I will confirm the ages of the two kids once the information has been verified,” Leiataua said.

Ombudsman Vui Clarence Nelson has raised concerns over reporting of the siblings’ deaths. Photo/Office of the Ombudsman

Police have also not confirmed a cause of death, while discussions about the deaths have spread across social media. In his letter dated 16 September, Vui says publishing details about the children was, in his view, a grave violation of their rights to privacy and dignity.

He also warns against reporting that could leave readers with an impression about the cause of death before the Police investigation is complete.

The Ombudsman says when the coverage is read alongside the earlier report, “there can arise genuine doubt as to the cause of death of these children”.

The Samoa Observer has responded to concerns over its coverage of the Nofoali‘i siblings’ deaths. Photo/Sāmoa Observer

The Observer has since made a change to its online story.

Jarrett Malifa, an editorial board spokesperson for the Sāmoa Observer, told PMN News the name of the child aged under 18 has been removed from the online article, while a correction was published on page two of Friday’s newspaper.

“The rest of the article remains unchanged,” Malifa says.

He says the matter has also been raised internally and the Observer will ensure each case is considered thoroughly in future.

Vui refers to World Health Organization guidelines, saying the media should not implicitly or explicitly link an ongoing investigation to a particular cause of death without official confirmation.

Listen (Sāmoan) to Radio Samoa news coverage about the Ombudsman's letter to the Samoa Observer.

Sāmoa’s Media Code of Practice also sets out standards for reporting on children and sensitive situations.

The code, developed by the Media Council of Sāmoa and the Journalists Association of Sāmoa, says journalists must consider the vulnerability and wellbeing of children and respect people’s privacy and dignity.

It also says journalists covering shocking, sensitive or emotionally painful situations should avoid language or images that could worsen the situation and should respect people’s privacy and dignity, particularly vulnerable children.

The Ombudsman’s intervention comes as the deaths continue to attract public attention, with Police yet to release a confirmed cause.

PMN News has contacted Police for an update on the investigation and whether a cause of death has been confirmed.