VIDS repudiates government U-turn in amended draft law for Indigenous and Tribal Peoples’ rights (Suriname)

FPP shares the concern about the recent Memorandum of Amendments to the draft law on the Collective Rights of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Suriname, as articulated by our partner VIDS (the Association of Indigenous Village Leaders in Suriname) in the statement they issued on 20 February 2025 (English translation; original in Dutch).

The Statement responds the Memorandum of Amendments to the draft law that was submitted to the National Assembly by President Santokhi in June 2021. Only now has the government council reviewed the draft and re-submitted it with amendments, approved by the entire council.

VIDS speaks of a U-turn compared to the earlier version of draft law. “It is clear that this government simply does not want to recognize our collective rights in accordance with international standards, despite the fact that the State of Suriname is legally obliged to do so by, among other things, rulings of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.”

Among the many flaws, VIDS points at the failure to refer to indigenous peoples as peoples, but a ‘community’ that must register as a legal entity – including the traditional governance - , after a government-conducted ‘scientific study into their traditional ways of living’. Land rights are not described as collective property rights but merely as the “enjoyment and use” of areas for the purpose of the traditional way of life, and ‘previous rights’ that existed in that area (such as mining, land lease, title to ownership, logging), will continue to exist. Also, FPIC is narrowed down to “the way to involve the administration in decision-making with regard to economic activities in their residential area”.

VIDS’ conclusion can only be that [this law] …”only has value for those who do not sincerely want to legally recognize and protect the collective rights of indigenous and tribal peoples in accordance with international standards”

FPP stands with VIDS in its appeal to the National Assembly to fulfil its role and task as a legislative body in accordance with good faith and in conformity with the legal obligations of the State of Suriname and international standards.

The legal amendments come at a time of exceptional uncertainty and pressure on indigenous peoples in Suriname, illustrated by a contentious government intention to sign an agreement with Chinese mining company Chinalco on West-Suriname, without following proper FPIC procedures  (which the three villages have rejected) and the initiation of extensive offshore oil exploration and exploitation just over 100km from coastal and riverine indigenous peoples.

More info on www.vids.sr