THIRD NATIONAL PERIODIC REPORT OF
THE REPUBLIC OF SURINAME
PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 40 OF THE
INTERNATIONAL CONVENANT ON
CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS
-ICCPR-
Paramaribo, August, 2013
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P aragraphs Page
I Introduction……………………………………………………. ….. 1
II Part One
General information and responses to the concerns and recommendations of the Committee……………………………….. 3
A. General information……………………………………………….
4
Physical Characteristics…………………………………………………
4
Politics……………………………………………………………………… 4
Population………………………………………………………………… 5
Historical development of the Law system in Suriname…………… 6
Constitutional and Legal and framework… ……………………….
6
Judiciary power: Judges………………………………………………… 7
Judiciary power: Public Prosecutors………………………………….
8
Lawyers………………………………………………………………..…… 8
B. Responses to the Principle subjects of concern and to the
recommendations formulated by the Committee during
consideration of its previous reports……………………………… 8
Gender equality and principle of non-discrimination ………………. 8
Right to life and prevention of torture............................................. 10
Prohibition of slavery and slavery-like practices…………………… 13
Treatment of prisoners and other detainees, liberty and security
of the person, and right to a fair trial.................................................. 15
Protection of children………………………………………………. 17
Non-discrimination before the law and protection of national minorities.. 20
III Part Two
Dissemination of information regarding the Covenant, Articles 1 to 27... 32
Article 1 and 26……………………………………………………………
Article 2……………………………………………………………
Article 3……………………………………………………………
Article 4……………………………………………………………
Article 5……………………………………………………………
Article 6……………………………………………………………
Article 7……………………………………………………………
Article 8……………………………………………………………
Article 9……………………………………………………………
Article 10 …………………………………………………………
Article 11……………………………………………………………
Article 12……………………………………………………………
Article 13……………………………………………………………
Article 14……………………………………………………………
Article 15……………………………………………………………
Article 16……………………………………………………………
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Article 17……………………………………………………………
Article 18……………………………………………………………
Article 19……………………………………………………………
Article 20……………………………………………………………
Article 21……………………………………………………………
Article 22……………………………………………………………
Article 23……………………………………………………………
Article 24……………………………………………………………
Article 25……………………………………………………………
Article 26……………………………………………………………
Article 27……………………………………………………………
IV Closing Remarks……………………………………………..
V Conclusion.……………………………………………………..
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1. Suriname became party to the International Convention on the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) by succession on 28 December 1976.
Pursuant to article 40 of the ICCPR, Suriname has already submitted two reports. This combined third and fourth report covers the period 2003 – 2013.
2. In this third periodic report which was due by 1 April 2008, the Republic of
Suriname will complement the previous reports submitted by its Government. This report has also been prepared, taking into account the concluding observations provided by the
Human Rights Committee (Suriname. 04-05-2004, CCPR/CO/80/SUR), including the
List of issues to be taken up in connection with the consideration of the Second Periodic
Report of Suriname (24 October 2003, CCPR/C/SUR/2003/2) as well as the general guidelines for the submission of periodic reports provided by the Committee.
3. Suriname has not yet submitted a common core document. In accordance with the reporting guidelines for States parties, this periodic report, containing a single document is divided into two main parts.
4. The first part, entitled “General information and responses of the Republic of
Suriname to the concerns and recommendations of the Committee”, describes the general political structure of the country and recalls the framework in which human rights are promoted and protected. It also contains the responses of the Republic to the list of issues
(24 October 2003, CCPR/C/SUR/2003/2), and to the recommendations formulated by the
Committee during consideration of its previous report (4 May 2004, CCPR/CO/80/SUR).
5. The second part contains information regarding substantive provisions of the
Covenant in regard to the progress made in fulfilling its obligations under the Covenant , the closing remarks and the conclusion in the end.
6. The report should be considered against the backdrop of several key political developments in Suriname since the submission in 2003 of its second periodic report. It is of consequence that Suriname continues its tradition of being a stable multi-party democracy with the successful holding of free and fair elections in 2005 and 2010, respectively.
7. Suriname also remains committed to the promotion and protection of Human
Rights and the rule of law. It can be stated that human rights and fundamental freedoms are guaranteed and protected by the Constitution.
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A. General information
Physical Characteristics
8. Suriname is situated in South America, between 2 o
en 6 o
northern latitude and 54 o and 58 o western longitude. About 80% of the land surface area is covered with neotropical vegetation. The average temperature is 27.3
o
Celsius. The highest temperatures are measured in September and October, the lowest in January and February.
Politics
9. Suriname is a constitutional democracy, with a President elected by the unicameral National Assembly or by the larger United People’s Assembly. The National
Assemble consists of 51 members who are chosen for 5 years. The President appoints the
Council of Ministers. After generally free and fair legislative elections several political alliances have formed a coalition government for the last decade.
10. Chapter XI of the Constitution discussed the legislative power which is jointly exercised by the National Assembly and the Government while in Chapter XIII, section 2 and Chapter XXI respectively discussed the executive power which is vested in the
President and the regional administration.
11. Chapter XV discussed the judicial power such as the President and Vice-President of the High Court, the judges, the Procurator-General, Attorney-General and the Public
Prosecutors.
12. It can be stated that human rights and fundamental freedoms are guaranteed and protected by the Constitution.
13. Suriname is party to a number of UN human rights and regional human rights instruments which were already mentioned in its first report. From 2003 to the present, the following conventions on human rights and other relevant treaties are ratified by
Suriname: - Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the
Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict and the Optional Protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and pornography in Convention on the Rights of the Child (R:
April 10, 2012) - United Nations Conventions against Transnational Organized Crime,
New York November 15, 2000 (A: April 30, 2007) - Protocol against the smuggling of migrants by land, Sea and Air , supplementing the United Nations Conventions against
Transnational Organized Crime, New York November 15, 2000 and - Protocol to
Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children,
The Rome Statute of The International Criminal Court (A:15 July 2008).
14. The judgments of the Inter-American Court on Aloeboetoe Case, the Gangaram
Panday case and the Moiwana massacre are mostly implemented. The reperations have taken place and the criminal investigation in these cases has yet to be realized. With respect to the Moiwana case the State gas nit adopt legislative, administrative and other
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measures necessary to ensure the property rights of the members of the Moiwana
Community in relation to traditional territories. This includes land rights, a subject which has not yet been resolved. Moreover, the Indigenous natives of the nearby village
Alfonsdorp, claim the Moiwana area. Concerning the land rights issue, Suriname is now working hard on finding a solution to the implementation of the Saramacca the judgment of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.
15. Suriname has fulfilled its obligation to report to the UPR and clarified its report orally during the UPR sessions in May and September 2011 in Geneva. Suriname has committed itself to a number of recommendations made by the UPR Council during these sessions and is currently engaged in the realization of these recommendations.
16. The country is struggling with a number of socio-economic challenges, including the fight for poverty, a solution of the problem of land rights for Indigenous and
Maroons, the illegal gold mining at the risk of pollution of the environment, and combating crime. The government continues to work with national and international partners in an effort to respond to these challenges effectively.
17. The states informs the Committee that this report was finalized after information and consultation including suggestions of several ministries, (Hier de namen van NGO’s en andere organen die zijn geconsulteerd en hebben gereageerd opsommen).
Population
18. Suriname is a multi ethnic society with two ethnic populations whose social structure is the tribe, in particular the Indigenous (Amerindians) who live along the coast as well as deep in the interior and the Maroons, who are the descendants of runaway slaves and who established themselves in the interior.
19. In August 2012 the Eight General Population and Housing CENSUS was held in
Suriname. The results are not yet fully processed. A draft of the results is published by the General Bureau of Statistics and is included in this report as Appendix 1.
20. According to this census Suriname has a total Usual Resident Population of estimated 549,657 people
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, living within an area of 16.594.000 has. Suriname has a multi ethnic society. The majority of the population lives in the Districts of Paramaribo (about
44,2%) and Wanica, while the District of Coronie has the smallest population (0,6%). In the interior, there are scattered settlements of Indigenous Amerindians and Maroons, living in tribal communities.
1 See Annex ….; COMPREHENSIVE ENGLISH SUMMARY, PROVISIONAL RESULTS
Eight General Population and Housing CENSUS, page 28.
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21 The total population consists of estimated 265,900 males and 268,280 females
2
,
147,151 children between 0-14, 129,952 people between 15-29, 109,615 between 30-44,
86,659 between 45-59 and 54,427 people older than 60 years 3 .
In the provisional results, there are no data on the population of Indigenous and Maroons.
22. Dutch still is the official language and Sranan Tongo the lingua franca, while
English is widely spoken. Furthermore the Asian languages Sarnami Hindi, Surinamese
Javanese, several Chinese are spoken. Auka and Saamaka are Maroon languages and the
Indigenous languages which are spoken in Suriname are Akurio, Carib, Trio, Wayana,
Warao and Arowak.
23. Van de ABS moeten wij nog info krijgen over het aantal vreemdelingen die wonen in Suriname en over het aantal illegalen.
24. Tevens over de aantallen migrant workers.(arbeid)
Historical development of the Law system in Suriname
25. From the 18 th
century Suriname was under the influence of the Roman Law, the
Canon Law, the Common Law and the Old Dutch Law (Germanic)
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. In 1869 through the codification the Dutch legislation system was introduced in Suriname. Based on the concordance principle the law in Suriname was in harmony with the laws of the Dutch colonizer and in cases where the Dutch Laws were not applicable for Suriname the
Governmental Law was adopted.
26. Suriname became an independent Republic on 25 November 1975 and the
Constitution of the Republic of Suriname became operative. Based on article II of the additional articles of this constitution, all pre-independence legislative products obtained the status of Suriname Laws. On 25 February 1980 d a military dictatorship began, where the constitution was inactivated. This situation lasted until 1987, in what year after a public referendum a new Constitution was adopted. With a few amendments, which have since been made, this constitution is still in force and most of the laws stem of the preindependence period.
Constitutional and Legal and framework
27. The Surinam Law is divided in Public Law and Private Law. The Law system has its foundation mostly in the Constitution, the Public Law, the Code of Civil Procedure and de Civil Code, and the Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure. The hierarchy of statutory regulations in Suriname are in the sequence listed: 1. International
2 Ibidem
3 Annex ….., table 5 page 15 Total population by age-group and sex.
4 Reggy M. Nelson, The operation of the patent and intellectual property right system of Suriname from a legal standpoint, Srika NV, Eco system Management, RLA/92/G 32
Suriname. (Ik denk dat we hier Archiefstukken moeten zetten, maar welk archief?)
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Conventions, 2. The Constitution of the Republic of Suriname, 3. State Acts, 4.
Presidential Resolutions, 5. State Decrees derived from State Acts and 6. Ministerial
Decrees derived from the State Acts.
28. The Constitution of the Republic of Suriname is the supreme law of the country. It sets out and defines the authority of main bodies of the State. All other legal regulations and laws must be in line with the Constitution otherwise they will be null and void.
29. The preamble of the Constitution embodies the guarantee that the principles of freedom, equality and democracy as well as the fundamental rights and freedoms of mankind will be respected. Chapters V and VI of the Constitution set out the different basic rights and freedoms as well as the manner in which they can be protected. Article 10 of the Constitution states that “Everyone has in case of infringement of his rights and freedoms a claim to an honest and public treatment of his complain within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial judge”.
30. Chapter XI of the Constitution discusses the legislative power which is jointly exercised by the National Assembly and the Government while in Chapter XIII, section 2 and Chapter XXI respectively discussed the executive power which is vested in the
President and the Regional Administration.
31. Chapter XV discusses the judicial power such as the President and Vice-President of the High Court, the judges, the Procurator-General, Attorney-General and the Public
Prosecutors.
32. In sum it can be stated that human rights and fundamental freedoms are guaranteed and protected by the Constitution.
33.
Suriname’s law acknowledges two authorities that can administer justice. The
Cantonal Court is the first court in the State, where as the Constitution designates in article 39 the High Court of Justice as the highest authority entrusted with the administration of justice in Suriname. Suriname also recognizes the original jurisdiction of the Caribbean Court of
Justice for the interpretation of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and the contentious jurisdiction of the Inter-American Court on Human rights
34. The human right infrastructure of the Republic of Suriname has both legal and institutional components. The legal component includes the constitutional regulations, the national law of Suriname as well as its international obligations. The institutional infrastructure is composed of Governmental Institutions and Non Governmental Organizations for the different areas of human rights.
Judiciary power: Judges
35. The judiciary is governed by the Law on Organization and the Composition of the
Surinamese Judiciary Power, and consists of the Judges and the Public Prosecutors.
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According to aforementioned Law the jurisdiction in civil and criminal cases is exercised by District Courts and the Court of Justice, except in cases where criminal jurisdiction is dedicated to another judge (Art. 2). Jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters is shared between the three District Courts and the Court of Justice, which also functions as an appellate Court. The Court of Justice consists of a President, a Vice-President and a maximum of 15 members. It is also employed by Substitutes members, a Procurator
General, two Advocates Generals and a Registrar, who are appointed by the President.
(Art. 32) According to the acting President of the Court, there are currently 16 judges at the Surinamese Court of Justice.
Judiciary power: Public Prosecutors
36. Pursuant to Art. 3 of the Law on Organization and the Composition of the
Surinamese Judiciary Power, the Procurator General and the Advocates Generals of the
Court of Justice, the Chief Public Prosecutors, Public Prosecutors and substitute Public
Prosecutors are charged with enforcing the laws, the prosecution of all criminal offenses, which are submitted to the Court of Justice and the District Courts and the carrying out of all the judgments of these Courts.
The Procurator General of the Court of Justice is obliged to fulfill the orders, which in office are given to him by or on behalf of the
President (Article 4). According to the Procurator General there are currently 21 Public
Prosecutors.
Lawyers
37 He, who meets requirements specified by the President, may be allowed as a lawyer. The President controls the authorization and supervision of the activities of the lawyers and the exercise of discipline on lawyers as well as determining their professional dress (Art. 43 of the Law on Organization and the Composition of the
Surinamese Judiciary Power). According to the Secretary of the Bar Association in
Suriname there are 145 Lawyers are registered with the Bali.
Gender equality and principle of non-discrimination
Combating Domestic violence
38. The Act containing rules concerning the protection against domestic violence was adopted on 20 July 2009 (Combating Domestic Violence Act, published in Government
Gazette SB 2009 No. 84) (vragen aan Rasam: Hoe werkt het in de praktijk? Zijn er statistieken?) This law is intended to protect against domestic violence, both women and men and also protection to children, parents, grandparents, family members and the needy. Pursuant to this Act in situations of domestic violence a protection order may be
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requested. To cater to the requirement of rapid protection this act provides that the court must have ruled within two months after submission of the application whether or not to issue a protection order. Because in many situations these two months are still too long, this law also allows the court to issue an interim injunction. After a request for a protection order at any time, even before the hearing is commenced the court can issue this interim injunction. The protection order includes different prohibition and mandatory clauses, of which certain mandatory provisions are provisional. These protection orders have a civil basis. Infringing certain specifically commandments or prohibitions identified in the law, means that one is guilty of an offense punishable by imprisonment or a fine or a combination of both. Applying for a protection order does not exclude criminal prosecution of the person who is guilty of domestic violence if his deed is also an offense. The victim can apply for both a criminal case and a protection order. On the basis of marital rape a protection order can be applied for. Dealing with domestic violence there were awareness campaigns through the media by the Ministry of Justice and Police and by various NGOs and also workshops were organized.
39. In the Personnel Act there are still provisions with a discriminatory character, which are not amended or abolished (Articles 15.1, 47.9, and 69.3). Article 45.4 has been amended by Presidential Order 1990 (SB 1990 No. 36) and 2003 (SB 2003 No. 77), which make it possible that the right to salary during maternity leave is maintained.
Articles 15.1 and 69.3 are not applied in practice. The Ministry of Home Affairs has started with the process of overall revision of the Personnel Act.
40. Attachment I to the Identity Act (SB 1976 No. 10) also has a discriminatory character. The intention (According to CBB) is to propose the amendment on short term, in the sense that the married name no longer is required. It will be a choice of the married woman to include the married name on the identity card or not.
41. Especially the provisions under Article 3, 8.3 and 8.6. 10, 12, 13, 14, and 15 have a discriminatory character and are not amended yet. A revision of this Act has been drafted by the Ministry of Justice and Police (according to the CBB).
42. In the past period several laws have been approved such as: a) The Law on
Combating Domestic Violence (SB 2009 No. 84). This law aims to provide protection in an early stage and through a fast procedure to victims of domestic violence. b) The revision of the Criminal Code regarding Indecency (Moral) Offences (SB 2009 No. 34).
With the revision rape within marriage and rape of men among other things has been penalized. c) The Law on Stalking (SB 2012 No. 70). d) Amendment of the provisions
15.2, 41, 47, and 73.1 Electoral Law of 1987 (Elections Act). The amendment was adopted in 2005 regarding the indication of the maiden name of the female candidate on the ballots and females on the voters list. Women who wish that their husband’s or deceased husband’s name also appear on the ballots or voters list, have to submit a request. These new regulations have been applied for the first time in the 2010 general elections. The situation prior to this amendment was that a married woman who is a candidate or voter must be mentioned on the list under her husband’s or deceased husband’s name. e) Provisions regarding trafficking in women and male minors has been
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amended (included in the Criminal Code). Through the amendment both sexes are protected against trafficking and the amendment has become effective as per April 2006
(SB 2006 No. 42). This Law has been amended according to the UN Convention against transnational organized crime, the Protocol to prevent, suppress, and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children and the protocol against the smuggling of migrants by land, sea, and air.
43. There is a draft amendment to the Criminal Code presented to the State Council, which would criminalize gender-based discrimination
Right to life and prevention of torture
44. With respect to bringing to justice perpetrators of human rights violations committed during the military rule to court, Suriname notifies that the procedure started with the trial of the suspects in the so-called 8 December Murders process. The megatrial on the December 8 Murders is currently ongoing and in advanced stage.
45. The National Assembly adopted the Law amending the Law of 19 August 1992 on the granting of amnesty to persons who, as from 1 January 1985 until the date of the enactment of this Act, have committed certain offenses defined herein (Amnesty Act
1989, SB 1992 No. 68, as amended by S.B. 2012 No. 49). According to the explanatory memorandum of this Amnesty Act also members of the National Army, who have been guilty of the offenses referred, are eligible for amnesty. The Explanatory Memorandum also emphasize that the Moiwana Judgment of the Inter-American Court of Human
Rights does not fall within the scope of the Amnesty Law, and therefore must be implemented unabridged. Article 2 of the Amnesty Law reads as follows:
‘1. However, the amnesty provided for in Article 1 shall not apply to offenses which must be regarded as crimes against humanity. 2. The term "crimes against humanity" as referred to in paragraph 1 means the offenses, which are identified as such. According to the applicable international law’ .
5
Moreover, of note is that according to the Surinamese Code of Criminal Procedure in these cases the right to prosecute is not barred by limitation.
46. It has been found that the trial of the 8 December case is not over. While the proceedings were at the stage of requisition, on 11 May 2012, there was an (intermediate) judgment given which has the character of an interim final decision. The prosecution was suspended until the Constitutional Court will make the decision whether the adoption of the Amnesty Law does not entails a violation of Article 131, paragraph 3 of the
Constitution. This article points out that “Any interference in the investigation or prosecution of cases, and those pending in court, shall be forbidden”.
6
The suspension is based on Article 5 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which reads as follows
7
: "1. If the valuation of the alleged offense depends on the judgment of an issue of civil law, the court may, in any state of the prosecution suspend the prosecution for a certain time, in order to wait ruling of the civil court on the dispute. 2. The suspension may be extended each time for a period of time and may be lifted at all times.”
5 Private translation. (zelf vertaald)
6 ibidem
7 ibidem
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Substantively, the Court-Martial did not reached a verdict whether the Amnesty Law entails a violation of the Constitution. The case of one defendant who has filed an Appeal is pending. It must be noted that the draft law on the Constitutional Court is pending at the State Council. (source: Legislative Office of the Ministry of Justice and Police).
47. Like all other citizens who commit human right violations, perpetrators in the armed forces are tried if the results show that they are a suspect. In the past 10 years, several policemen and soldiers who have committed murder, manslaughter, theft and other human rights violations adjudicated guilty. (ALS HET KAN DE AANTALLEN
NOEMEN) There are now ... police officers and .... soldiers arrested for committing capital crimes and the national Court must still make a ruling in the criminal cases, respectively. During the criminal procedure and investigation, no distinction of person, race, religion or status is made and the principle of equality is observed in the trial. As stated in the previous reports, the investigation and trial of mega-cases from the military period require special expertise and time. Furthermore, the victims and their families from the Moiwana process were compensated in accordance with the judgment of the
Inter-American Court. The same applies to the Gangaram Panday Case and the
Aloeboetoe Case. It has also been shown that despite the fact that a monument is set to
Moiwana, the then President of Suriname apologized, and .... years back ...... houses are built for the victims and their families, only one family lives in one of these homes. The other houses are left to fall into decay.
48. Due to the fact that a large part of the relatives lives in French Guiana and because of lack of witnesses who want to make statements, the criminal investigation has not yet reached a stage in which suspects have been identified. Although the representative of victims and survivors in the Moiwana Case, Mr. Andre Ajinthoena publicly stated that they are prepared to make a statement, no one has signed up to the police in order to give details and to submit Statements. The same applies to other human rights violations from the military period. The Code of Criminal Procedure is clear and provides guarantees for a fair trial and the State is bound by those rules. There is no danger for witnesses in criminal proceedings. This is reflected in the December 8 process, where witnesses are not intimidated or endangered.
49.
With reference to Committees’ communications Nos. 146/1983 en 148-154/1983
(Baboeram et al. v. Suriname) it should be stated that the right to life is duly protected in
Suriname:
(i) In the Criminal Code the deliberate killing of another is punishable under various offenses. The death penalty is still included in the Criminal Code and the Military Penal
Code. However, the death penalty is no longer applied in Suriname. The last time someone was sentenced to death is in 1927 (Nicodemus Charles Apatoe). In the draft of the New Penal Code, however, the death penalty is no longer included in the list of punishments. This draft is available for adoption now at the highest legislative body in
Suriname, the National Assembly (DNA);
(ii) The criminal investigation in the killings of December 1982 has now been completed and (iii) the trial of the suspects responsible for the death of the victims in this case is now ongoing. (iv)Under the Surinamese law, both the Criminal Procedure Code (Articles
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316 and following) as the Surinamese Civil Code (Articles 1386 and following) it is possible for the surviving families to claim compensation. There is a maximum compensation that is awarded and the decision is made by the ruling in the criminal proceedings and the surviving families have to join in these proceedings for compensation. However, in civil proceedings the injured parties have the opportunity to claim compensation for the damage actually suffered. This usually happens after the trial, if it is proved that the offense was committed by the accused. If the injured parties wish so, they can, however, already at an earlier time in a civil proceeding claim for damages.
If during the trial the judge decides for damages of a certain amount, at a later time in civil proceedings, there can be no recourse to compensation. In contrast, when there is already litigation for damages in civil proceedings, in criminal proceedings no compensation can be claimed. In the December 8 trial the relatives have not joined in the process of compensation and no compensation is claimed in a civil process.
50. Individual civil and political rights are established mainly by the Constitution of the Republic of Suriname, which was adopted by a public referendum in 1987. By Act of
8 April 1992 amending the Constitution of the Republic of Suriname, some amendments have been made.
8
Suriname’s commitment with regard to the enjoyment of the fundamental human rights and freedoms in a democratic society appears from the following citation from the preamble of its Constitution: “ convinced of our duty to honour and guarantee the principles of freedom, equality and democracy as well as the fundamental rights and freedoms of man”.
From Articles 105 and 106 of the Constitution 9 it appears that the
Constitution gives effect to the rights recognized in the Covenant. Article 23 of the
Constitution reads as follows: “In case of war, threat of war, state of siege or state of emergency or for reasons of state security, public order and good morals, the rights mentioned in the Constitution may be subject to limitations determined by law, which will be in force during a certain time, depending on the circumstances, in compliance with the international rules applicable in respect thereof.” This implies that the relevant human rights, as guaranteed by the provisions of the Covenant, are not put aside unless there is the situation referred to in Article 4 of the Covenant. The meaning of public emergency in Article 4 of the Covenant corresponds to the situation referred to in Article 23 of the Constitution of the Republic of Suriname. This condition of war, threat of war, state of siege or state of emergency or for reasons of state security, public order and good morals, also implies the factors that are considered “a threat to the life of the nation and the existence” that justify (continued) derogation from particular rights.
There is no national legislation that further spells out the modalities under which articles
23 of the Constitution may be invoked
8 A copy of the English translation of the text currently in force is attached to this report.
9 Article 105 states that the provisions of agreements with other powers and international organizations, which may be directly binding on anyone, shall become effective upon promulgation, and art. 106 states: “Legal regulations in force in the
Republic of Suriname shall not apply if such application should be incompatible with provisions of agreements which are directly binding on anyone and which were concluded
either before or after the enactment of the regulations”.
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51. Technically, the death penalty has not been abolished in Suriname. It is still listed in Article 9 of the Surinamese Criminal Code. Article 349 of the Surinamese Criminal
Code indicates that: “He, whom intentionally and with premeditation robs another life, is guilty of murder, punishable by the death penalty or with life imprisonment” . (Life imprisonment is maximum twenty years in Suriname.) The death penalty is also being listed in Article 6a of the Military Code, which regulates the rules with regard to Military Law. The Courtmartial can only enforce the death penalty with unanimous decision. This is being determined by Article 9 of the Military Code: “Upon a conviction of a crime which has the death penalty, one cannot be penalized until a unanimous decision has been made” . According to Article
10 of the Surinamese Criminal Code, the death penalty is being executed on the following grounds: The executioner carries out the death penalty on a scaffold with a noose around the convicted neck, which is being tightened and a hatch is being placed on his feet. It the death penalty is being declared on the basis of the Military Code, then it can be carried out by shooting: “The death penalty is carried out by shooting. Other regulations with regard to this are being regulated by the State’s resolution” . (Article 7 of the Military Code.)
52. The President of the Republic of Suriname can pardon a convicted on death row in which case the sentenced is reduced to life imprisonment. Article 29 of the Surinamese
Criminal Code states that the abovementioned person, who sits out two thirds and at least nine months can be equated of the remaining time.
In the draft revision of the current Criminal Code, the death penalty is being deleted.
The draft revision of the Criminal Code has already the approval of the Council of
Ministers and the opinion of the Advisory Council, and need the approval of the National
Assembly (as legislators).
Prohibition of slavery and slavery-like practices
53. Anno 2013 Suriname has the following legislation on human trafficking:
In the Constitution, Article 9 regulates the Prohibition of slavery and article 9 regulates the Prohibition of slavery. Also article 15 regulates the Prohibition of forced labor.
Human trafficking is punishable under Article 307 Penal Code.
The trafficking related crimes are articles 188, 249, 249a, 284 and 188 of the Penal Code.
Article 249 concerns Illegal return to Suriname, article 249a concerns smuggling, article
284 concerns falsifying travel documents and article 188 Penal concerns Criminal organization.
54. The Moral Law is now formulated gender neutral, in order to protect men and women and has been revised in line with the UN Convention against Transnational
Organized Crime including protocols regarding prevention, the UN Convention against
Elimination and Punishment of Trafficking in Persons in particular in women and children and in accordance with the Convention on Cybercrime. The law prohibits all forms of trafficking in persons. The penal code specifically prohibits trafficking in persons for both sexual and other purposes. The law covers internal and external forms of trafficking. Penalties for trafficking in persons for sexual exploitation and labor exploitation such as forced or bonded labor and involuntary servitude range from 5 to 20 years imprisonment. The Prosecutor General’s Office may press dual charges against a
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trafficker for both the act of trafficking and for the rape of a victim. The penalty for rape or forced assault ranges between 12 and 15 years in prison. The government provides free legal services and optionally shelter to trafficked victims. From 2003, we see from the statistics the following number of TIP cases where the perpetrators are sentenced:
(statistieken van het Parket en de politie bijvoegen)
55. There is a government Anti-trafficking Working Group within the Ministry of
Justice and Police since 2003. This working group, which has primary responsibility for interagency coordination of anti- trafficking efforts, assessed progress and coordinated new actions. One of the tasks of this group is to make an inventory of the several aspects of trafficking and formulate strategies for a sustainable approach. It also has the task to advise on and coordinate the planning, preparation and implementation of government activities aimed at combating human trafficking in the broadest sense.
This Government
Anti-trafficking Working Group assessed progress and coordinated new actions, such as conducting various awareness campaigns on television and in schools and organized a number of workshops. There is a good cooperation between the Working Group Counter-
Trafficking in Persons and the international NGOs (amongst others the IOM)
56. By the Counter Trafficking in Persons Unit of the KPS and the Public
Prosecutions Department an aggressive investigation and prosecution policies is implemented, given the number of human trafficking cases that have been examined. In cases where it is suspected that there is trafficking Offences, criminal investigation is done and the perpetrators are being prosecuted and punished.
The Public Prosecutions
Department also has a unit Trafficking in Persons.
Police cooperated with counterparts in
Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and the Dominican Republic, and justice officials sought improved mechanisms for cooperation with Columbia and French Guiana. The
Government requested the cooperation of Trinidad and Curacao in investigating the case of 23 individuals’ trafficking to Trinidad and Tobago for forced labor. The government of
Curacao cooperated in extraditing four individuals arrested in connection with the crime.
In other trafficking cases the Government requested and had the cooperation of Guyana.
57. Police Officers have been in training in recognizing Trafficking in Persons victims (whether or not combined with) interview techniques. There were also trainings for officials of the administrative department in the border districts, detective services,
Foreign Service, members of the Military Police (Immigration), Customs officials, officials of the Ministry of Labor (labor inspectors), social workers, Youth
Parliamentarians, journalists, officials of the Immigration Department of the Ministry of
Justice and Police and other actors that could possibly come in contact with victims.
Members of the Public Prosecutors’ Office and Judges are also trained. Soon this year a workshop will be organized and a policy will be presented to the Government by the
Government Anti-trafficking Working Group.
There are awareness programs through the projection of films, television programs and in schools. Trainings and courses are also followed abroad (Bahamas, South Africa, El Salvador, and The USA). In close cooperation with the Counter Trafficking in Persons Unit of the Public Prosecutors’
Office, the special Counter Trafficking in Persons Unit of the Police Corps of Suriname
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is actively investigating possible cases. There is also a good cooperation with the
Government Anti-Trafficking Working Group.
58. Regarding legal alternatives for foreign victims of trafficking, a draft decision for adoption of rules for the granting of a temporary residence permit to a special category of foreigners (in particular victims of trafficking) is drafted. After evaluation this regulation will be reviewed and presented to the Minister of Justice and Police for approval. Victims who have an illegal status, are not deported and, if necessary, in cooperation with
“Stichting voor het Kind” and other NGO’s are offered shelter or are given the opportunity to return to their country.
Treatment of prisoners and other detainees, liberty and security of the person, and right to a fair trial
Regulations
59. The treatment of individuals deprived of their liberty is governed by the
Imprisonment Legislation, which sets among other guidelines for the treatment of prisoners. By law, persons in Suriname who are merely being held under suspicion of committing an offence may not as a general rule be housed in the same institution with persons who have already been sentenced. Based on the Code of Criminal Procedures, provisions have been established governing the treatment of persons detained and remand and the rights they enjoy before their trial.
60. In order to improve prison conditions, including overcrowding and good sanitation, the New House of Detention, which has a cell capacity of ...., was built in the year .......... Furthermore, the prisons at various police stations have been renovated
(Station Kwatta, Station Nieuwe Haven, Station Nieuwe Grond, Station Uitvlucht,
Station Leiding and several Stations in the district Nickerie). It is intended to address this problem at the police stations that are in need of renovation.
61. In the Surinamese civil law legal system we do not know the phenomenon of
"bail". Article 56 of the Code of Criminal Procedure gives the cases and the grounds on which police custody may be ordered.
Paragraph 1 reads as follows: "The detention order is only issued if grave presumptions were raised against the suspect and also in certain circumstances shows the existence of danger or flight or weighty reasons of social security, which demand the immediate custodial progresses." Paragraph 2 of this article indicates when a custody is not pursued, namely: “When serious consideration must be taken of the possibility that in the case of a conviction no unconditional sentence or custodial measure shall be imposed on the suspect, or that in execution of the warrant he would remain to be deprived of liberty in an extended period of time than the duration of the penalty” . Paragraph 3 under a, indicates that the warrant may be issued "In the case of an offense punishable by statute to imprisonment, if the suspect has no permanent place of residence in this country" . Also paragraph 3 under b indicates that the warrant may be issued
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"In the case of an offense punishable by statute to imprisonment of four years or more, or ...." because one of the offenses listed exhaustively in paragraph 3 under b.
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62. However, the prosecution policy of the Public Prosecutions Service is aimed at minimizing persons aimed at minimizing persons set in police custody and pre-trial detention. Therefore, in each case in order to decide on police custody, the investigating officers should consult with the public prosecutors. The internal guidelines of the Public
Prosecutions Department are that in cases where it is not necessary and there is no risk of recurrence or flight or if the social security is not put at risk, that those suspects may not be held in police custody or pre-trial detention.
The pre-trial detention is kept as short as possible. At the criminal hearings the judges suspend the pre-trial detention of the suspects under certain conditions, such as visiting the hearings and no repetition of the offense by the suspects or a notification obligation to the Public Prosecutions Service.
63.
Article 132 of the Constitution stipulates that “Civil and commercial law, civil and military penal law and procedure shall be regulated by law in general codes, without prejudice to the power of legislature to regulate special subjects by separate laws”.
64. In first instance, the Court Martial is composed of a Judge of the Surinamese
Court of Justice and two military officers and is composed in appeal of two members of the Surinamese Court of Justice and one military officer. The member of the Court of
Justice is the Chairman of the Court Martial and has a decisive vote. This shows the independence of the Court Martial. The military are members of the Court Martial for their military expertise on military issues. The sessions of the Court Martial are public, and thus accessible to everyone.
65. The jurisdiction of the Court Martial extends to dealing with criminal cases of suspects who are: Surinamese soldiers, citizens who were Surinamese military at the time of committing the offense and cases in which the prime suspect is a military, while one or more of his accomplices are citizens whose cases are added to that of the military prime suspect. The offenses relate to the facts of the general criminal law and penalties under special laws . In appeal the Court Martial also examines the judgment of a penal authority within the military.
66. Allegations of ill-treatment of suspects in custody by members of the Police Force are investigated by the Personnel Investigation Department (OPZ). This is a special unit of the police force. All other cases are investigated by the police except cases regarding military detention, which are investigated the military police. Based on art 145 of the
Constitution and article 136 of the Surinamese Code of Criminal Procedure the investigations are carried out under the direction of the Procurator General (Public
Prosecutor). These victims of ill-treatment can under the Surinamese Civil Code in the manner provided in the Code of Civil Procedure claim in Court full reparation and compensation against the perpetrators and / or against the State. In the curriculum of the training to the police and correctional officers is the human rights course is included. The
10 Private translation. (zelf vertaald)
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officers of the military police, together with the police officers also followed the human rights training at the course.
67. The First Division Title IV of the Surinamese Code of Criminal Procedure (some special coercive means) gives rules concerning the arrest and detention of suspects. These rules provide sufficient safeguards for the rights of the suspect and they inter alia minimize the risk of violating the rights of detainees. Areas for further improvements of the national legislation to ensure respect for human rights of detainees in accordance with international norms are being investigated. Also the Surinamese Code of Criminal
Procedure provides sufficient safeguards against incommunicado detention.
I ncommunicado detention only happens in extraordinary circumstances, in the interest of the investigation.
68. The counsel has free access to the suspect who is deprived of liberty (Article
40(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure).The consul, can only talk to him and exchange letters with him without the content being noted by others, all this under the supervision required, taking into account the household regulations, and examination may not be delayed thereby.
69. If certain conditions resulting from a serious doubt, that the free movement between counsel and defendant, will stretch to connect to any circumstance, of which in the interest of the investigation he must remain temporarily unaware of, either the free movement between counsel and defendant is being abused by trying to impede the investigation of the truth, during the preliminary inquiry the magistrate and otherwise during the preliminary investigation the prosecution officer can always order that the counsel will not have access to the suspect or will not speak to him alone. Thereby they can also order that the exchange of letters or other documents, between counsel and defendant will not be awarded. The order defines the specific circumstances referred to in the previous sentence; it restricts the free movement between counsel and defendant no longer and it is given no longer time than those circumstances demand. In any case the order is only in force for a maximum of eight days. In the interest of the investigation promptly notice of the order shall be given in writing to counsel and the accused (article
40(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure).
70. The defendant and his counsel can lodge an appeal before the Court of Justice, which decides as soon as possible, after having summoned in writing. (article 40 (3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure)
Protection of children
71. The facts and Legal Framework used to justify the detention of juveniles above 10 years are the seriousness of the act (acts of indecency, robberies, serious abuse, homicide, manslaughter). In addition, what is very important is the home situation. Many of these children have a bad home situation and for that reason end up committing crimes. The home situation is so bad, and without adequate supervision, that it is not advisable to
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place these children back in the family. At the Public Prosecutions Department there are also informal internal guidelines in force, where the rule is that children under 12 years are not taken into police custody or detention. As an ultimum remedium it only happened once (2011) that a 10 year old boy, who presented a threat to his entire environment and himself was taken into custody and brought to justice. It was a very severe case. (He abused his grandmother and had her even beaten with a hammer on her head, he was addicted to hard drugs and he raped his younger sister at any time possible. The commitment policy in respect of juveniles is in general based on the Convention on the
Rights of the Child. In general Suriname commits from the age of 12 years. The draft legislation on the New Penal Code the age of 10 years of criminal responsibility is to be increased to 12 years. Children between 10 and 12 years old are only committed when a very serious punishable act is involved and in case the care of the child at home is no longer possible and there are no other alternatives.
72. The material conditions of their detention are good, as well as the services provided to them (food, physical and mental health, education and recreation, among others). Special attention is given to their mental state and their physical condition.
When such a child ends up in the correctional center (called Opa Doeli) he/she gets counseling and guidance, which is lacking at home. In Opa Doeli they also are provided with primary education. He/she can also visit school outside the institution if he/she is in a
Junior Secondary General School or Secondary School or vocational education such as
Technical Education. In addition, these children are also counseled by the Judicial Child
Protection Service (called JKB). They engage in sports and other recreational activities at
Opa Doeli, which should contribute to their rehabilitation. Furthermore, religious activities are organized, led by clergymen of various Religious organizations in
Suriname. During the holidays the adolescents who have performed well in school and show good behavior can go home to their family to spend the holiday, unless the home situation does not allow this. Medical care is also provided. Due to the small number of inmates, there is a permanent medical practitioner available for the adolescents of Opa
Doeli. In case an inmate needs specialist care, than it is seen that he gets one. (for example a visit to the dentist, outside of Opa Doeli). The juveniles are also accompanied by a social worker. If necessary, they are also treated by the psychologist and child psychiatrist. Furthermore, every adolescent who is in police custody is provided with a legal advisor.
In all the cases where children are in Opa Doeli, rehabilitation is better ensured in this institution than at home.
73. Article 12 of the Imprisonment Act explicitly forbids the housing of sentenced juveniles with other prisoners. The authorities do not consider the housing of the correctional center for juvenile offenders within the wall of Central Penitentiary Santo
Boma (CPI) an ideal situation, though all the facilities used by the juveniles are completely separated from the facilities used by the “normal population” of CPI. This and the fact that the juvenile prison does not meet all the requirements have the attention of the authorities. There is now a youth prison built in the village of Santo Boma. The construction works of this juvenile Center, are almost finished.
There is now a Youth
Prison built in the village of Santo Boma, which will work closely with “Opa Doeli”.
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This new juvenile detention center, of which the construction is almost finished, is located in the same district as the Central Penitentiary in Santo Boma, but not on the same property.
74. Pursuant to article 16 juncto article 40 of the Code of Criminal Procedure every minor is assigned counsel. There is a weekly roster of attorneys and this system works well. The place of custody of young persons is the police station for juveniles. Minors are placed in the state judicial institution for juveniles, the so-called
“Jeugdopvoedingsgesticht” (Youth Education Founded).
75. Nog antwoorden op de vraag: hoe geeft de Staat invulling aan de volgende verdragsbepaling?: “Elk kind heeft zonder onderscheid naar ras etc recht op die beschermende maatregelen van de zijde van het gezin waartoe het behoort, de gemeenschap en ede Staat waarop het i.v.m. zijn minderjarigheid recht op heeft”.
Voornamelijk hierop antwoorden (mr. Niamat vragen).
76. The Asian Marriage Act is abolished by Resolution No. 4190/03 of 17 June 2003, establishing the date of entry into force of the Act of 10 September 1973 laying down new rules concerning marriage ceremony and marriage dissolution. (Revision Marriage
Law 1973).
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After 17 June 2003 there were no marriages under the Asian Marriage Act and therefore the State can not submit statistics your Committee requested on how many non-Asians are actually married under this act after this period. The legal age of marriage was raised to 15 for women and 17 years for men. In addition, changes were made to the
Fourth Title of the First Book of the Suriname Civil Code. Also, the rules of the
Surinamese Civil Code were applicable. There is a committee appointed by the
Surinamese government to evaluate these ages, and according to the recommendation of the final report of this committee the age of both girls and boys should be increased to 18 years. Actions are already taken in the direction of adaptation of the Civil Code in order to bring the marriageable ages in conformity with the covenant.
77. The latest data from the census held in 2012 shows that the information contained in reports indicating that as few as 40% of children living in the interior of the country attend primary school show that at present this information is not correct. The following districts are counted as interior: Brokopondo, Marowijne, Sipaliwini, East and West Para,
Santigron in Wanica and Kalebaskreek in Saramacca. Schools in the interior could be divided in Maroon areas and Indigenous areas.
78. There is a total of 92 schools in the interior include the annexes. Seventeen are in homogenic indigenous area, 66 schools in homogenic Maroon area and 9 schools in
Moengo and Albina of which 70% is Maroon area. (See the annex for the number of
11 Bijlage voegen van de (te vertalen) Resolutie van 17 juni 2003 no. 4190/03, SB
2003 no 44.
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students in the interior.)
12
The number of teachers in the interior is 810. There are 602
(74%) qualified teachers and 208 (26%) unqualified teachers.
79. The language which is used to instruct the students is the official language, but unofficially students in the kindergarten and those of the first up to the third grade are instructed in their mother tongue. There is no policy yet to introduce the mother tongue as official language in school.
80. One of the innovative strategies for addressing the problems in the interior is the establishment of a so-called “nucleus centre”. In collaboration with other ministries, and particularly the Ministry of Regional Development, a nucleus system is introduced in which an educational centre is set up in Albina and Moengo. Despite the fact that the children in the interior face more obstacles than children elsewhere, there is a growing number of children from the interior that are able to attend higher education in the districts and in Paramaribo. The number of students attending high school and the university is increasing annually. This is an indication that there is an improvement in this matter. The Government of the Republic of Suriname will continue to work on the improvement of the system.
81. In Suriname education is free of charge. There is also a fellowship programme available for students at second and third-level institutions. Students at first-level institutions receive financing of material, e.g. textbooks and pencils, from the
Government. However, fellowships and additional financing for students at senior secondary level are provided for those whose parents are unable to finance these.
Transportation for students is also provided for by the Government. Since education forms an integral part of the cultural development of individuals and groups, the State wishes to state the following. The main objective of financing education is the provision of educational facilities at all levels, for all members of Suriname society regardless of race, sex, religion, and financial status. Educational financing is also a means to promote and guarantee the freedom of education.
Non-discrimination before the law and protection of national minorities
(article 1 ICCPR)
Efforts of the State regarding the implementation of legal recognition and guarantees for the protection of indigenous and tribal rights to land and other resources
82. The land rights issue and in line with this, the Saamaka judgment of the
Inter-American Court of Human Rights and subsequent implementation measures need to be considered against the backdrop of the unique, but rather complex societal structure of Suriname, which is characterized by a diverse multi-ethnic and multicultural composition of its population. Suriname can be considered as the country with the most diverse ethnic population of the South
12 Ook hier bijlage toevoegen (Zie CERD)
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American continent. The Constitution of the Republic of Suriname and implementation laws are, therefore, founded on the specificities of our nation.
The social and economic objectives of the Government of Suriname are aimed at building a national economy for the benefit of the entire population, in which each citizen shares equally in the socio-economic development and achievements.
83. The Government is also entrusted to ensure that national regulations do not attribute any form of special treatment to individual segments of the population, which potentially could result in discrimination of the remaind er.
Subsequently, all Government actions aimed at national development are rooted in the basic principles of equality and non -discrimination, as embedded in the
Constitution of Suriname. The national legislation and related public policies are, therefore, geared towards sustainable development and a socially just society for all.
84.
In honoring the commitment of Suriname to international obligations, with respect to land rights including the implementation of the Saamaka judgment, it became apparent that a strict implementation according to the letter of this judgment, poses many challenges. The dilemmas can be inferred from the following question: how can the State amend its legislation to fall in with the strict content, as dictated in the Saamaka Judgment, while taking into account (i) the national interests of the entire population within our territory, and (ii) the principles and regulations of our parliamentary democracy?
Dilemmas can also arise in light of th e following questions:
- Are the foundations of democracy not harmed by the conclusion of the judgment?
- If it were possible to make an attempt to implement the conclusion of the judgment, is the foundation of the form of government in Suriname not seriously harmed?
85.
The political will is present to undertake the necessary steps for the implementation of the Saamaka judgment. However, the extent and the nature of the judgment oblige the State to exercise a certain degree of cautiousness. The
State wishes to execute the judgment in the most responsible manner possible, while ensuring that there is overall ownership of the process that we have embarked upon as a nation!
86. The State is obligated to exercise such cautiousness since it is evident that on certain major aspects of landrights there is no common agreement among the indigenous and tribal communities to date. Divergent positions are certainly evident with respect to agreeing on an applicable land use map for these communities. This makes it rather complex for the State to embark upon concrete actions for delimitation and demarcation. The State’s cautiousness is also motivated by the fact that various elements regarding the land rights issue in general and in particular the Saamaka judgment implicitly or explicitly require new or revised legislation and even Constitutional amendments. Some of the
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earlier mentioned complexities and inherent challenges are of a legal, political, administrative, as well as socioeconomic nature.
87. From a legal perspective it has to be noted that the Constitution and other regulations require that a Constitutional procedure needs to be followed when it concerns new laws or amendments of national laws.
88. This procedure usually entails that Government Ministries will initiate legislative products and submit a first draft of the Bill to the Council of
Ministers. Hereafter the draft Bill will be sent to the Council of State for comments. Only after a preliminary approval by the Council of State (read: the
Executive power), the Draft Bill can be submitted by the President to the
National Assembly. It is the prerogative of the National Assembly to approve or not approve the proposed Bill. The different principles of our democratic State organization are vested in the structure of our political democracy, whereby sovereignty of the people and Trias Politica are the guiding principles.
89. In consideration of the fact that certain aspects of the judgment also implicate that the State should amend the Constitution, it is noteworthy that the current Constitution of the Republic of Suriname, was adopted by referendum on
September 30, 1987 by approximately 98% of the Surinamese population.
Carrying out any changes of a fundamental nature to the Constitution will thus require a referendum. This is certainly the case when the judgment orders a strict
“delimitation, demarcation, and the granting of collective title over the territory of the members of the Saamaka people” .
90. The State considers the political-administrative and sociocultural particularities as inter-linked. This is mostly attributed to the fact that the relevant stipulations in our Constitution concerning public administration, regional governments, regional legislation and regional authorities (Chapter
XX-XXIII), including the structures of administrative organs, decentralization of administration and legislation, find their origin in the specific characteristics of our ethnic population in general, and the indigenous and tribal communities in particular. This is attested by the fact that, historically, the State has recognized the traditional structures and customary laws of indigenous and tribal communities, including the livelihood strategies of these communities and their traditional self-governance mechanisms and/or structures, this is vested in relevant regulations, such as the Decree on the Principles of Lan d
Policy (L-Decreet Beginselen Grondbeleid)
91. The land rights issue is an important element in the National Development Plan
2012-2016, which is elevated to the status of national law through adoption by the
National Assembly . The State has indicated that “in tackling this issue, two important factors need to be taken into account. Firstly, claims by maroons and indigenous peoples to areas that they traditionally inhabited, cultivated and used, i.e. their villages and areas used to provide subsistence and for religious and cultural purposes, etc. These claims center on the acknowledgement from the
Surinamese State that they are entitled to these areas. Secondly, the views of the state that the entire territory of Suriname forms part of the Surinamese State with the exception of cases where any third
25

party can prove otherwise. The State also maintains the point of view that everybody in Suriname, i.e. also the Maroons and indigenous people, has a right to apply for ownership of land within state property” .
13
92. Hence, the commitment of the State has been affirmed by putting the issue high on the national development agenda of the Government.
This commitment is also reiterated in other policy statements of the Government of
Suriname. The Government’s endeavors are also aimed at arriving at a cooperative attitude from all stakeholders of the entire Surinamese nation. The rationale behind such a determined stance of the State is that this issue has almost evolved into a form of conflict between Maroons and indigenous peoples on one side and the State on the other side. In addition, the use and adoption of various definitions of the issue and various interpretations of both the historical context and outcomes of the development process following decolonialization of our country and the ensuing ambitions of our State, has added to the complexity of the issue of collective land rights. The Government is of the view that “to date, this issue has not been adequately tackled and as yet, no solution has been found. A solution is needed more urgently today than ever before!”
14
93. Upon the initiative of the President of the Republic of Suriname a Land
Rights Conference was held in October 2011. The goal of the Conference was to engage in a comprehensive dialogue with r epresentatives of the indigenous and tribal communities, in order to bring about an acceptable solution for all parties through involvement of all stakeholders.
Prior to the organization of the Land Rights Conference, an intense process of consultations was conducted with all stakeholders for the purpose of identifying the major issues that would require attention of all relevant authorities. We refer here to some of these issues, which are all related to the land rights issue at stake, namely: the L-Decrees, the Mining Act, Allodial Ownership, Estates, etc.
A compilation of the minutes of these consultative meetings with the various tribal communities has been submitted to the Court at an earlier stage.
94. Regretfully, the outcome was not as expected bu t the pace has been set for future collaboration on the matter of land rights. The aim of the Conference was to arrive at a Joint Declaration, whereby all parties concerned would agree to continue collaboration for the purpose of a solution on the land rig hts issue. The representatives of the tribal communities were Saamaka, Matawai, Kwintie and
Paamaka, as well as of the indigenous communities, who were nominated by their own clans.
95. Moreover, reference can also be made to the institutionalized and reg ular consultations between the Ministry of Regional Development and the Traditional
Authorities in the hinterland, whereby various developmental issues regarding the districts and the communities are being discussed based on partnership and consultation.
13 Private translation. (zelf vertaald)
14 Private translation. (zelf vertaald)
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96. These actions, initiated by the Government of Suriname, reflect that the
State accepts its responsibility to bring about a mutually acceptable solution for an issue that requires a high level of national commitment; the State is adamant in continuing its efforts in this regard.
97. Reference can also be made to the appointment of a Special Presidential
Commissioner for Land Rights. The Commissioner will be entrusted with giving advice concerning all aspects of the land rights issue, and making proposals to prevent unbalanced social consequences of the land rights issue for the nation.
98. The Way Forward
The State of Suriname is of the view that in the process that has been put in place for an eventual recognition of the land rights of the tribal communities, a constructive dialogue among all interest groups will be required. The latter is considered to be of eminent importance for ensuring peaceful coexistence and stability of the country. Evidently, there are certain levels of lack of trust towards the central Government that finds its origin in the history and the emergence of our young Republic. The State intends to build a stronger relationship with traditional authorities from the perspective that collaborative approaches could bring about more tangible results.
The State is of the view that innovative ways of consultation with stakeholders for the manifold of issues at stake, as well as better understanding for the numerous complexities with which the State is confronted with from all relevant parties, could enable a stronger and more fruitful collaboration for the gradual implementation of the international and regional commitments of the State. In our view a documented arrangement concerning a land use map between the indigenous and tribal communities could not accelerate the entire process of drafting a Bill related to the delimitation and demarcation of indigenous and tribal communities i.e. land, and the subsequent process of collective rights.
Thus far, after multiple consultations among the indigenous and tribal communities, no agreement has been reached between the Saamaka and the indigenous people, which hampers the acceptance of any land use map by the State.
99. It should be noted that the State has facilitated this process of consultations between the indigenous and tribal communities to allow parties involved to reach consensus. After agreement is reached by all communities involved, the Government will proceed with drafting legislation on inter alia collective land titling, based on the agreed maps.
100. In accordance with its constitutional procedures, the final position of the
State will be determined upon the conclusion of the deliberations by Parliament, the highest State authority of Suriname.
101. In this respect it should be noted that Article 55 paragraph 2, of the Constitution of Suriname, stipulates that the National Assembly is the supreme body of State. In this regard, mention needs to be made of the independence of the members of Parliament in which each member is completely free in their voting behavior. Voting behaviour is based on personal discretion and judgment, guaranteeing a free mandate of the individual members of parliament.
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102. This entails that neither the Government nor a political party or group of parties can force a voting position on a member. This implicates that upon any decision of the
National Assembly, the State - as the executive power - will have to confer.
103. Nevertheless, the State intends to engage into renewed efforts for putting together a pragmatic Road Map for the implementation of the outstanding commitments within the context of the Saamaka judgment.
To further demonstrate the political commitment of the State to find durable solutions for the issues at stake, mention can also be made of the fact that the President will establish an Executive Office for Presidential Commissioner on Land Rights, in order to deal in a more effective manner with the responsibilities of the State with respect to collective land rights issues.
The State is fully committed to work towards an acceptable solution for a matter of national importance and will undertake all efforts to engage into a cooperative attitude from all stakeholders from the conviction that a unification of the entire nation is an absolute prerequisite.
Logging and mining concessions were granted without consulting or even informing indigenous and tribal groups
104. The State wishes to reiterate that our national laws do not hamper the protection of the right to property of the Saamaka Lös. On the contrary, all laws related to the exploitation of timber and minerals stipulate that the rights of the indigenous and tribal communities should be respected (safeguard clauses).
105. After the Saamaka judgment, no concessions for logging have been granted in the area which is perceived as tribal land. In 2011 two community forests have been established for the tribal communities. Mention can be made of the fact that two requests for the establishment of community forests have been received.
106. With respect to environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs), prior to awarding a concession for any development or investment project within traditional
Indigenous or tribal territory, the State can indicate that in practice ESIAs are performed by consultants hired by developers of projects. The National Institute for Environment and Development in Suriname (NIMOS) is tasked with conducting the assessment of the reports of the consultants.
107. The following EISAs have been conducted in the period 2002-2013:
-
Environmental Impact Assessment Rosebel, Gold Project Suriname, Rescan
Environmental Services LTD, 2002;
-
Kersten River Lodge Suriname N.V., Berg en Dal project; Environmental and
Social Impact Assessment, October 2007;
-
Final Environmental and Social Impact, Assessment Volume I, Nassau Plateau
Bauxite Mine Paranam, Suriname, August 2012;
-
Merian Project Final ESIA Report, Volume I - Introduction and Environmental
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and Social Baseline, 31 January 2013,
Final Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for Rosebel Gold Mines,
Storage Facility Expansion Project, March 2013
108.
In light of the active involvement of various tribal groups in gold mining activities and challenges arising for security, public order and health, the Government embarked upon an integral plan for regulating the gold mining sector, in particular for the smallscale gold sector, which has been rather lucrative for many groups. Unfortunately, it has become apparent that in particular small-scale miners engaging in illegal occupation, illegal gold mining activities and using methods of extraction and refining techniques in violation of health and environmental regulations create risks for the public health and cause serious instability in certain districts.
Many instances of relocation of individuals who are illegally active in small-scale gold mining, ensue from the need to eliminate chaos in the sector and restore public order, and are aimed at guaranteeing peace and security in the interior. Many of these individuals were relocated to designated areas where (small-scale) gold mining is approved and can be monitored for adherence to environmental standards
.
109. To ensure a well-balanced national approach, a Presidential Commission
Regulation Gold mining Sector was established by the Government of Suriname to take the lead in the reorganization of this sector. The importance of engagement of all stakeholders in regulating this sector motivated the
Government to organize a “Gran Gowtu Krutu” (Grand Gold Consultation), on
18 and 19 February 2011 in Snesie Kondre (tribal land). The Presidential
Commission was also entrusted to engage into early consultations with the
Traditional Leaders of the Tribal Communities and Indigenous Peoples in order to discuss matters during the Grand Gowtu Krutu, among which the land rights issue. The Traditional Authorities of the tribal communities and indigenous peoples, along with a broad-based representation of all stakeholders in the gold mining sector, were all represented at this Krutu, together with the President, the
Government and all other governmental stakeholders. However, the Grand
Gowtu Krutu did not yield an outcome that could serve the interests of all.
110. A renewed effort to continue consultations with the tribal communities led to the institutionalization of the so-called Structural Gold Sector Consultations
(SGS) with all stakeholders in the sector.
These consultations were held on a bi -monthly basis and were aimed at:
(i) discussing on a structural basis the various problems and/ or challenges within the sector; (ii) reviewing, and where necessary, adjusting the course of the process regulating the sector, and (iii) enabling the gradual modernization of the gold mining sector. Stakeholders’ representation comprised of a representat ive of
(i) the Presidential Commission; (ii) every organized group of small -scale miners
(porknockers); (iii) every medium-sized gold mining company; (iv) every large gold mining company (multinationals), and (v) of the Tribal Authorities of every tribal community.
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111. From the broad array of issues that were discussed during the meetings of the SGS, it can be inferred that all stakeholders, including the representation of the tribal communities had ample opportunity to discuss matters of concerns and/or interests. Mention can be made of the following issues: (i) strengthening of traditional authorities; (ii) the establishment of a Campus and School of
Mining and Mineral Processing in Snesie Kondre/tribal land); (iii) concession policy & land rights, etc.
112. It should be noted that although the Presidential Commission Gold Sector and the SGS did not have a specific mandate for the land rights issue, indirectly it had a role in identifying the major concerns, interests and dilemmas related to the land rights issue of the tribal communities and the indigenous population.
113. The State firmly recognizes and adheres to the existing traditional mechanisms and instruments of consultation and decision-making structures of the indigenous and tribal communities and its traditional leadership. This is inspired by the belief of the State that the social and economic objectives of the Government of Suriname are aimed at building a national economy for the benefit of the entire population, in which each citizen shares equally in the socio‐economic development and achievements, while respecting the cultural and socioeconomic specificities of historically deprived segments of our population.
114. Hence, regular consultation between the Government and these communities are taking place, safeguarding local involvement in the formulation of public policies on the use of resources, development planning and potential relocation, among others, in areas traditionally inhabited by indigenous and tribal communities. In light of the many outstanding issues related to ensuring collective land rights to indigenous and tribal communities, improving mechanisms for consultation would be of particular importance to the State and to these communities as well. The State is in the process to develop a model through which the principle of Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) would be reflected in an ample manner. The State will continue its efforts to improve consultations with indigenous and tribal communities to further the principle of
FPIC within the existing (traditional) structures.
115. Meanwhile the existing consultative mechanisms also provide for the involvement of the indigenous and tribal communities in the negotiations regarding logging and mining concessions. This implicates tha t the interests of the local communities are taken into account. More recently, this approach has explicitly been used in the negotiations with IAMGOLD.
116. To demonstrate the high level of commitment of the State to the spirit of
FPIC, specific reference has to be made to the decision of the President of the
Republic of Suriname to defer the execution of the Tapajai Energy project until further notice. Meanwhile the state-owned oil company N.V. Staatsolie
Maatschappij, which has already invested millions of US$ in the preparation of this ambitious project, has been instructed by the President to immediately cease
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activities in respect of the Tapajai project. The State took a bold decision to stop this project despite the significant impact of the project on the development of the country and all of its people because it took into account: (i) the special concerns and interests of the indigenous and tribal communities, and (ii) the lack of broad-based “ownership” of the project at this moment of time.
117. The State recognizes that consultation is an important tool for securing broad-based support and for creating ownership of developmental processes; however, the nature and extent of such consultations should not be viewed as an end in itself, but should rather serve the purpose of those who traditionally possessed and used the lands, namely the indigenous and tribal peoples.
118. It is within this context that the State of Suriname is of the view that the principle of “ free, prior and informed consent
” should not be perceived as an encroachment of the rights and duties of the State to pursue the interests of the society by developing its natural resources, and achieving sustainable development and improving the lives of the population. The State is of the view that a balanced approach, would serve an overall national development purpose, and all parties concerned should refrain from an approach that is often motivated by economic, political and at times even individual interests, which could endanger the exemplary peaceful pluralist societal structure of Suriname.
No discrimination of Indigenous and tribal groups in employment and education, nor generally with respect to their participation in other areas of life
119. 21.The country’s Constitution provides the framework for its policy of combating racial discrimination. Laws have been enacted to give effect to the promotion of the principle of non-discrimination and equality before the law of citizens and foreign nationals.
120. .The Republic of Suriname is a sovereign and democratic State founded on human dignity and the promotion of human rights and freedoms.
121. As stated in the previous report and reaffirm by the Committee in their concluding observation is that the definition of racial discrimination in the Convention has been adopted by the Criminal Code and the Constitution, which unequivocally states in article
8 that “no one shall be discriminated against on grounds of birth, sex, race, language, religion, education, political opinion, economic position or any other status”.
122. Racial discrimination in the Criminal Code states in article 126 that discrimination shall mean any distinction, restriction or preference which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life.
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123. Other articles in chapters V and VI of the Constitution, discussing fundamental rights, make no distinction between individuals, indicating that all individuals have the same rights.
124. Pursuant to article 1, section 2, of the Convention, the State has adopted several acts indicating distinctions or restrictions between citizens and non-citizens. The Election
Act, for example, only gives Surinamese nationals the right to vote and to be chosen in high governmental and administrative positions.
125. Residents can be chosen as members of the National Assembly, members of the judiciary, members of the executive branch, etc. These acts are in compliance with the
Convention and are not considered racial discrimination.
126. The Surinamese Nationality and Citizenship Act gives provisions regarding nationality, citizenship and naturalization of individuals. This act does not discriminate against any particular nationality but gives objective norms/standards that must be complied with before an individual can receive Surinamese nationality. Based on the
Constitution, this must be done by an act of the National Assembly.
127. The Preamble of the Constitution states: “. Convinced of our duty to respect and safeguard the principles of freedom, equality and democracy as well as the fundamental human rights and freedoms”. With this citation from its Constitution, the State wants to demonstrate its commitment with regard to the equality principle and the enjoyment of fundamental human rights and freedoms in a democratic society.
128. Individual civil and political rights in Suriname are established mainly by the
Constitution of the Republic of Suriname. The current Constitution was adopted by a public referendum in 1987, which was amended in 1992. Even though the Constitution does not mention the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it was clearly inspired by this Declaration. Chapter I of the Constitution is devoted in its entirety to the basic civil, political, economic and social rights of the individual.
129. In addition to chapter I, the Constitution includes provisions that relate to the rights specified in the Convention. The Surinamese people have the right of selfdetermination. With this right fully exercised, the people established a political system that tends to give them the possibility to freely pursue economic, social and cultural development for each individual and for the nation as a whole. As reflected in article 1 of its Constitution, the Republic of Suriname is a democratic State based on the principles of sovereignty (self-determination) of the people and safeguarding the basic rights and freedoms of individuals. Chapters 5 and 6 of the Constitution give rules concerning equal protection of citizens. Reference is made to articles 8-39 that safeguard fundamental and social rights of citizens of the Republic of Suriname.
130. The population of Suriname consists of various ethnic groups which continue to speak their own language, enjoy the culture of their native countries and are permitted to
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do so freely. Suriname is the world in miniature, consisting of Hindus 35 per cent,
Creoles 33 per cent, Javanese 10 per cent , bush Negroes (Maroons) 10 per cent, Chinese
2 per cent, Amerindians 3 per cent; the rest consists of Caucasians, Lebanese, Syrians and people of mixed race. ( based on the 2002 Census.)
131. Suriname’s cultural policy is based on the plurality of the Suriname population.
The policy is therefore based on cultural democracy, which is characterized by the equality of all cultures and mutual acceptance and appreciation of one another’s cultural expressions. Suriname’s cultural policy recognizes article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and also aims at having every individual participate in full freedom in the cultural life of the community, for him or her to enjoy art, be part of scientific progress and its outcomes.
132. Furthermore, every person has the right to protection of his or her spiritual and material interests, that ensue from scientific, literary or artistic creations which he/she has produced. The Government of Suriname has not yet adopted special measures to secure adequate advancement of certain racial or ethnic groups or individuals that require protection.
133. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO), culture can be regarded as the entirety of spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional properties, which characterize a society or a social group.
Culture does not only comprise art and literature, but includes lifestyles, fundamental rights of human beings, value systems, traditions and conventions. It is culture that enables human beings to think about themselves. Thanks to culture, human beings distinguish values and can make choices. It is because of culture that people express themselves, become aware of themselves, recognize their incompleteness, study their achievements, and create work with which they surpass their own limitations. In practice, culture is a reflection of the past, but a past that is alive, because it is enjoyed by present generations and is linked to the daily life of human beings as a reflection of their actions.
134. With respect to non-discrimination and equality, the State emphasizes that the number of Maroons and indigenous people who participate in daily life, and have staff positions in the community, is increasing steadily. The current administration which consists of 17 Ministries, 5 are taken by Maroons such as: the Ministry of Finance,
Regional Development, Transport, Communication and Tourism, Social Affairs and
Justice and Police. Of the 51 members of the National Assemble 9 men and 1 woman are
Maroons, while 2 men are Indigenous. This is again an indication of the efforts of the
Government. However, the Government realizes that there still is a lot of work to be done in this respect. Indigenous and tribal communities are represented in the legislative, executive - including high-level advisory positions - and judicial branches of the State.
Also, indigenous and tribal people are well-represented in the decentralized representative bodies, namely the District Councils (highest representation in the districts) and the Local Councils (highest representation in the administrative jurisdictions). In addition, five district commissioners (excluding two appointees), in
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charge of the daily management of the districts hail from tribal descent. The representation of tribal communities is also evident in a number of high advisory positions within the executive branch, such as the Council of State. Within the Cabinet of the President there are two Presidential Advisers of tribal descent as well.
Mercury has been released into the environment in the vicinity of such communities and the State party should take steps to prevent mercury poisoning in the interior of the State party’s territory
135. There are measures taken by the Government of Suriname to prevent mercury run off near indigenous communities. There are two kinds of gold mining in Suriname, the large scale gold mining which is currently done by international mining companies and the small scale mining which is much more widespread and done by individuals. In the small scale gold mining mercury is used to extract the gold from the soil. The practice is limited to a certain part of Suriname that starts in the north-west of the country and expands downwards towards the southern border. The main characteristics of small scale gold mining in Suriname can be described as follows:
1.
Not always in possession of a license or permit;
2.
The use of heavy machinery;
3.
No consideration for environmental and social aspects, such as deforestation and water pollution;
4.
Illegal foreigners such as Brazilians to work the gold mines, and
5.
The use of large amounts of mercury
136. The government recognizes that the small scale gold mining has many negative impacts on surrounding environment and communities and has therefore recently implemented some measures to combat this problem.
137. Project entitled: Gold mining pollution abatement and the implementing institution was the Geological and Mining of the Ministry of Natural Resources. The project lasted from 2003 to 2006. The objectives of the project:
1.
Improved management of the small to medium scale gold mining sector in order to reduce pressure exerted on priority ecosystem of Suriname, funding by the
W.W.F.;
2.
Promoting the use of retort in the small scale gold mining sector.
138. Current development in the gold mining sector:
1.
The president has installed a commission for the reforming and regulating the illegal small scale gold mining activities in Suriname.
2.
The establishment of Mining Service Center (MSC) in several parts in the interior for registration of the miners and providing service to them. One MSC has started its activities as a pilot project in the eastern part of the country
3.
The starting of a school of mining and mineral processing to train workers in the mining sector to use mercury free technique for mining.
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35

Introduction
139. In the first part of this report the List of issues to be taken up in connection with the consideration of the Second Periodic Report of Suriname and the concluding observations provided by the Human Rights Committee (Suriname. 04-05-2004,
CCPR/CO/80/SUR) are discussed in detail. Thereby, the State demonstrated the mechanisms in place to monitor progress towards the full realization or several rights. For this reason, if they have already been discussed in part one, the State will refer to the relevant sections when discussing the various articles.
Article 1
The right of self-determination and free disposal of natural wealth and resources
140. The Republic of Suriname is bound by the principles of the Charter of the United
Nations and Regional organizations. (The Constitution Articles 103, 105 and 106). The right of self-determination is enshrined in the Constitution. The Constitution guarantees the democracy and the sovereignty of the people and their fundamental rights and freedoms with equal protection (art. 1 and chapters 5 and 6). Constitutional and political processes make it possible in practice to exercise the rights as contained in article 1
ICCPR. The country’s Constitution provides the framework for its policy of protection and guarantee of the rights recognized in the present Covenant. Laws have been enacted to give effect to the protection and guarantee of these rights.
141. As mentioned before it appears the preamble of the Constitution demonstrates the commitment of the State with regard to the equality principle and the enjoyment of fundamental human rights and freedoms in a democratic society as individuals and political rights in Suriname. The Constitution includes provisions that relate to the rights specified in the Convention. The Surinamese people have the right of self-determinzation
(art. 1 Constitution). With this right fully exercised, the people established a political system that tends to give them the possibility to freely pursue economic, social and cultural development for each individual and for the nation as a whole.
As reflected in article 1 of its Constitution, the Republic of Suriname is a democratic
State based on the principles of sovereignty (self-determination) of the people and safeguarding the basic rights and freedoms of individuals.
142. It should be noted that the indigenous peoples and Maroons addressed international bodies, referring to non-discrimination and the right of self-determination, with respect to among other things natural resources and land rights. It is one of the biggest priorities of the State to give implementation to the rights described in this article and to bring a solution to the problems regarding land rights issue. This subject was also included on the list of issues and this is deal with in detail. Therefore, in this context the
State refers to part one, paragraphs 80 t / m 135 of this report.
Article 2 and Article 26
Obligation to respect rights without discrimination and right to judicial protection
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143. Chapters 5 and 6 of the Constitution give rules concerning equal protection of citizens. Violations of basic rights are submitted to the Court of Justice. The main obstacle enabling victims to obtain redress in case their Covenant rights have been violated could be the non-operational status of the Constitutional Court. It is yet to be installed and it will have the task to review laws or part thereof as whether they are in contravention of the Constitution and international conventions as well as the adjudication of whether decisions of government bodies are compatible with basic rights.
As noted before (Part I, paragraph 46) at the moment the draft law in establishing the
Constitutional Court is pending at the State Council. The State once again wants to highlight that Articles 137 and 106 of the Constitution grants the Judiciary full competence to rule in cases when domestic legislation is incompatible with the
Constitution or with human rights provisions of any Convention. The Government of
Suriname aims at guaranteeing human rights and fundamental freedoms as laid down in different international documents on human rights and to punishing violations of these rights.
144. On 10 December 2010 (SB 2010 no?) the Human Rights Bureau is established by the Minister of Justice and Police. As an objective this Bureau has to assist the Republic of Suriname during judicial processes relating to human rights violations in regional and international for a and it has the following tasks: The preparation and coordination during judicial processes of Suriname regarding human rights violations in regional and international fora; Supporting the constitutional representative of Pepublic of Suriname, the Procurator General at the Court of Justice of Suriname and appointed external experts by the President of Suriname or by the Minister of Justice and Police, during processes at regional and international fora; The preparations and coordination during the drafting of the Country Reports of Suriname, including the national report of the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, as well as giving advice to government agencies and officials regarding relevant human rights issues.
145. In ... an amendment was made to Article 140 of the Surinamese Constitution, and also in ...... the Act on Indictment Political Office Holders (SB 2001 no 72) was adopted and amended in ....... The previous law was contrary to the right to appeal (Article 14 paragraph 5 of the Convention). Based on this Act, now Political office Holders can lodge an appeal. Thus between 2003 and 2013 a number of laws were adopted, which secured several specific human rights better. Regulations on Domestic violence,
Indecency offences, personeelswet, arbeidswetgeving, tabakswet,. Huizelijk geweld, electoral law, The revision of the Criminal Code, Personnel Act, Labor regulations, tabakswet,. Nog precies natrekken bij DNA odf BIZA).
Article 3
Equal right of men and women
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146. De voorzitter en de onder voorzitter van het hoogste wetgevend orgaan van de
Staat zijn vrouwen. De waarnnemend President van het Hof van Justitie van Suriname is een vrouw. Bij vrouwenrechten aangeven hoeveel vrouwen belangrijke posities bekleden
UVS, Judicial, parlement (volgorde 2e rapport hanteren.), vergelijk mannenoverschot bij de vorige census. Vergelijk leeftijden etc.
Article 4
Public emergency officially proclaimed by State Parties
147. Public emergency is regulated in Article 102 and in Chapter XIV, Articles 128,
129 and 130 of the Constitution. (Aangeven of de uitvoeringswet als bedoeld in art. 130 lid 2 is ingesteld. natrekken) According to Article 128, “There shall be a National Secuirity
Council, which can only commence its activities after the duly authorized institutions have decided to declare the state of war, threat of war or the state of siege in case of military aggression, and the state of civil and military emergency” .
15
The authorized institutions are: the President (chairman); the
Vice-President (deputy chairman); the Minister charge of legal affairs; the Minister in charge of defense; another member of the Council of Ministers; the Commander of the
National Army; the Chief of Police of the Police Corps of Suriname (Article 129). In the period between the second country report and now, the Republic of Suriname has not been at war, threat of war or in a state of siege. The State also refers to part I, paragraph
50.
Article 5
Not to explain Treaty contrary to its objective
148. The Constitution of the Republic of Suriname is in conformity with article 5
ICPPR.
Article 6
Right to life
149. With regard to the right to life during the military regime in the eighties, the State has provided the Committee with relevant information in Part I, under Right to Life and
Prevention of Torture, paragraphs 44-50 of this country report.
150. There have been no cases of extrajudicial executions or forced disappearances registered in the period between the second country report to present. Suriname is now a democratic Republic, with a Constitution which is adopted by the Surinamese people by referendum and its highest legislative body, The National Assembly (DNA) is elected through free, fair and secret elections.
151. The Constitution of Suriname guarantees the right to life in article 14. In the draft amendment of the Criminal Code, the death penalty which is included in the current text of the Criminal Code (Articles 348 and 349) is deleted.
15 Underlining added.
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152. With regard to birth rates and pregnancy the outcome of a study shows that
Suriname is from Guyana in the Caribbean region, the country with the highest number of teenage mothers. Of the more than 1500 births per year, is 15 to 17 percent is a teenage mother. On every hundredth pregnancy there are sixteen teenage girls. Teenage mothers with unwanted pregnancies have the opportunity to visit the school, until the last day of pregnancy and are not expelled from school as before.
153. Research: train Surinamese in parenting PARAMARIBO, Jul 17. Surinamese adults have decided need for training in parenting. This suggests a recent research report released by the Ministry of Justice and Police. Parents should be trained in the education of their children. The report does not find violence against children outdated. A recommendation is formulated, "Parents are not forced, but almost mandatory to participate in parenting training," says an educational psychologist. The investigation included how it is with laws and regulations in the field of children's rights. The focus was on the degree of prevention of violence. It appears that there is no relevant legislation. Yet approved Legislation against bullying via mobile phones and abuse at school is not even in concept. According to the researchers law should be drawn as soon as possible.
154. In the Criminal Code are punishable: infanticide (art. 351); child homicide (art.
350); participation in these offenses (Art. 352), and abortion (art. 355).
In Suriname there are no cases known of female infanticide and so-called honor killings.
Article 7
Prevention of Torture
155. Suriname has recognized the fact that torture is an issue that needs sufficient recognition. In the Constitution under chapter five concerning basic & individual rights and freedom the emphasis is placed on the prohibition of torture physical and mentally
(Article 9 Constitution).
156. Within the Surinamese government there are several actors and legislation that were put in place to protect society against acts of unlawfulness like torture. For example the Ministry of Justice and Police has a division “Meldpunt Politie Optreden” were civilians can submit complaints against police officials. Complaints are investigated and the in case of suspicion the attorney general’s office is competent to conduct an investigation into the matter. In the case of legislation in military law article 21 (1) and penitentiary law article 25 regulations are placed regarding the maintenance of law & order and legal protection concerning detainees and convicts enclosed in penitentiaries facilities.
157. The State also refers to Part I, paragraphs 44-50 above, which already elaborated on torture.
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Article 8
Slavery
158. The prohibition of slavery is laid down in Article 15 of the Surinamese
Constitution. According to the Criminal Code( Title XIV, Indecency Offences, Art. 307 and following) and Title XVIII (Offences against Personal Freedom, Articles 334 and following) facts that involve any form of slavery are punishable. The maximum penalty is 20 years..
159. The State also refers to Part I, paragraphs 53-58 above, which already elaborated on Prohibition of Slavery and Slavery-like practices.
160. In the Criminal Code, the nature of the penalties is included. According to Article
9 (1) (b) (2 o
) placement in a State labor facility is an additional punishment. In the
Criminal Code we see this provision in Articles 49 and 506 (relating to placement in a state labor facility) and Article 535 (for public drunkenness by a second or subsequent recurrence within one year after the last sentence, if he is able to work, as an additional penalty the offender can be sentenced to placement in a State labor facility up to one year. In practice, this penalty (labor or services) is no longer applied.
Article 9
The right to liberty and security of person
161. The right to freedom and security is guaranteed in Article 16 of the Constitution.
In the Penal Code unlawful deprivation of liberty, kidnapping, trafficking in Persons and related offenses are punishable. The Law on Stalking which was adopted in 2012 also contains provisions which guarantees the right to freedom and security.
162. However, from Article 9 of the Criminal Code it appears that imprisonment and detention are principal penalties. According to the Criminal Code the maximum sentence for an offence is life imprisonment. This penalty can be converted into a temporary term of up to 20 years. In some cases, detention can in no case exceed the period of one year.
163. The statistics of the provisional results of the Eight General Population and
Housing Census and of the authorities of the Ministry of Justice and Police regarding persons deprived of their liberty on the ground of offences have been provided. These statistics are attached as Annex ….. and should be considered to be inserted to this report.
164. With regard to other cases in which people can be deprived of liberty against their will, Suriname has only 1 Psychiatric Centre (PCS). Inclusion can only be done under the
Lunatic Law. In Criminal law admission to a psychiatric hospital is only possible by order of the court as a special condition of the sentence and it does not exceed one year.
Suriname does not has detoxification clinics. On a voluntary basis addicts reside in shelters with the goal to kick the habit. Vagrants are not placed in institutions.
Pending their expulsion, under the Law on Foreign Nationals illegal persons can be put in foreigndetention.
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165. With respect to requirements for placing persons in police and preventive custody and the maximum term of custody the State refers to paragraphs 59-70 under Treatment of prisoners and other detainees, liberty and security of the person, and Right to a fair trial in Part I of this report as well as information regarding incommunicado detention.
Article 10
Human treatment for persons deprived of their liberty
166. The basic rights rules of the individual who has been deprived of his freedom is laid down in Article 9 of the Constitution. In Chapter V, the Basic Rights, including the
Individual rights and freedoms, and in Articles 10, 11 and 12 the rights guarantees the rights of persons deprived of their liberty. The provisions of the Criminal code of
Procedure and also the imprisonment Legislation govern the treatment and the rights of persons deprived of their liberty.
167. With regard to human treatment on the rights of persons deprived of their liberty it must be noted that according to, Commissioner Rodrigo Escobar Gil, the Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons Deprived of Liberty of the Inter-American Commission on Human
Rights (IACHR) “important progress has been made on prison matters in Suriname, such as the recent openings of detention centers that have all the necessary facilities and services. During the visits the delegation observed that, in general, the physical structures and housing conditions of the prisons visited are good, and that at the time of the visit they were below their maximum housing capacity. Among other positive aspects, the
IACHR also welcomes the fact that the internal security and management of prison facilities is in the hands of a corps of prison officials specifically assigned to exercise those functions” 16 .The Office carried out a visit to the Republic of Suriname on May 25-
27, 2011.
168. In the context of the care for detained the State informs that the prisoners have labor therapies, technical qualified and not-technical qualified work. There are sports activities. In all four prisons we have medical care. There is a doctor attracted, who weekly visits and consulates the detained. Severe cases outside the doctor are brought to the Emergency Department of the University Hospital (SEH). Rights of prisoners are guaranteed as stated in the relevant laws. There is correspondence between the detained and their family or authorities. Penal measures are applicable. (Hier nog system for supervising penitentiary establishment toevoegen)
169. The State also refers to Part I, paragraphs 59-70 above, which also elaborated on treatment on the rights of persons deprived of their liberty.
16 Press release 9 June 2011, no. 56/11, Rapporteur, Commissioner Rodrigo
Escobar Gil of the IACHR
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Article 11
Imprisonment for failure to fulfill a contractual obligation
170. In Suriname a breach of contract cannot be the ground of imprisonment. Meeting a contractual obligation is strictly enforced by the courts. For breach of contract the Civil
Code and the Code of Civil Procedure shall apply. In practice, the Procurator General who is the head of the Public Prosecutions Department, responsible for the investigation
(Article 145 Constitution) and, who supervises the correct execution of the tasks of the police (Article 147 Constitution) shall ensure that no civil cases are criminally investigated and that no one is taken into custody because they merely is unable to meet a contractual obligation. The articles 465, 466 and 467 of the Code of Civil Procedure refer to committal for failure to comply with judicial order.
Article 12
The right to freely move and choose a place of residence.
171. The national legislation of the State is in conformity with the provisions of article
12 of the Covenant (Article 3(2) of the Constitution).The national regulations as mentioned in its second report are still in force and there are no new laws adopted that could bring a violation of this right. (Bespreek in dit verband de Wet Belaging)
172. In practice it happens that judges in an interlocutory judgment decide on the condition that the defendant must sign up regulary during the process and that the defendant is required to appear at the hearing.
Article 13
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