Justice Vui Clarence Nelson, a Senior Supreme Court judge from Samoa, has been honored by the University of Canterbury in New Zealand with an honorary degree for his remarkable contributions to promoting justice in the Pacific. He will receive an Honorary Doctorate – Doctor of Laws from Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury at a graduation celebration in early April, to be held at the Christchurch Arena.
Upon receiving the news of the award, Justice Nelson expressed his surprise and gratitude, stating that he felt humbled and privileged. He acknowledged that the honor not only reflects his own achievements but also the judiciary and the country of Samoa as a whole.
Justice Nelson’s passion for justice and reform started early in his life, as he learned about the consequences of actions and the importance of making good decisions during his teenage years. He believes that compassion is a vital quality for judges, especially when dealing with young people, as it helps to understand their situations, dilemmas, and problems.
As a judge, Justice Nelson’s goal has always been to guide offenders towards a more productive and happy life, viewing imprisonment as a last resort. Throughout his career, he has been an advocate for human rights and judicial reform, with a particular focus on the rights of children and young people, as well as the protection of young victims of sexual violence.
Justice Nelson made history as the first Pacific Islander to be elected to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, where he served for eight years. Reflecting on his experience, he described it as “extraordinary,” working with leading experts in the field of children’s rights and being part of international efforts. He has been instrumental in important legislative reforms in Samoa, including the establishment of a sex offenders registry and the introduction of the Sex Offenders Registration Act 2017. He also played a key role in the creation of the first Pacific-based Young Offenders Act in 2007, as well as the establishment of the Samoa Youth Court and the Olomanu Juvenile Facility, aimed at rehabilitating young offenders.
Justice Nelson acknowledges that there is much work to be done in the area of judicial reform in Samoa and other Pacific Island nations, and he is committed to driving positive change, despite the challenges of limited resources and budgets. Professor John Page, the Executive Dean of the UC Faculty of Law, commended Justice Nelson for his unwavering commitment to the values of the rule of law and pursuit of justice, and his significant contributions to the well-being of society in Samoa, the Pacific, and beyond.
