MINISTER HARISH MONORATH of Justice and Security pointed out at a United Nations forum on human rights in Geneva what Suriname is doing in this area. However, human rights cover a wide area, including the safety of citizens. And that is something that is quite lacking in Suriname.
Messages, photos and videos appear on social media, among other things, showing that citizens feel increasingly unsafe. It seems as if crime is increasing and even hardening. This apparent hardening is evident from, among other things, the moments when criminals act and the manner in which they do so. Behind every robbery, whether at home or on the street, lies a story of fear, insecurity and sometimes trauma. But that will be a real pain for the perpetrators.
International representation is important, but human rights also start with the protection of citizens in their own living environment
Suriname can continue to emphasize that it is one of the safest countries in the Caribbean, but what does that statement mean for the citizen who is robbed in broad daylight? What does safety mean when people no longer feel free to go out on the street alone, get groceries or look around anxiously while they are busy inflating the tire of their vehicle at a service station?
It’s not just about the value of a stolen bag, necklace or other possession. It is about the feeling of insecurity that remains and that often leads to trauma. When citizens get the idea that they could become victims of muggings or be robbed in their homes or businesses at any time, this affects their confidence in the government that is called upon to guarantee their safety. Do people have to adjust their daily lives because of this government failure, arm themselves (illegally) and not dress or wear jewelry that makes them feel comfortable?
The police must respond to the changing forms of crime. It can publish figures to show how many criminals it has caught again or how many weapons have been seized again, but practice has shown that this certainly does not contribute to the citizen’s sense of security. Fighting crime is not just a matter of arrests and statistics.
These days the minister is painting a nice picture at an international forum. But how much of that corresponds to everyday reality. International representation is important, but human rights also start with the protection of citizens in their own living environment. A country may talk about security and human rights internationally, but it must not lose sight of reality and must also make those values visible at home.
If necessary, international meetings should be physically attended less often, if this provides scope for strengthening essential facilities, such as security, education and healthcare. All foundations of society.
