ACCORDING TO THE ANNUAL REPORT 2026 and the coalition agreement, the government will accelerate its approach to the land rights issue for indigenous and tribal peoples. The government is preparing for the consideration and promulgation of the 2017 Protection of Residential Areas Act, written more than ten years ago, in which the size of the areas will be adjusted after consultation with the traditional authority.
The land rights issue is mentioned in almost every annual speech by successive presidents. Indigenous communities have been fighting for their land rights in independent Suriname since 1976. Yet the land rights issue is still a problem.
The land rights issue is complex, but it is by no means unsolvable
Numerous hearings have been organised, including a hugely unsuccessful two-day conference in Colakreek with the interested communities, committees have been set up and draft laws have been drawn up. In addition, submissions have appeared in the media and numerous petitions have been submitted by indigenous and tribal peoples. And yet…
With the intended Housing and Living Areas Protection Act, the government can no longer grant mining, sand, gold or timber concessions in the protected areas. The government has opted for dialogue on the basis of this Free, Prior and Informed Consentprinciple (free consent after prior consultation) to prevent negative effects of concessions and stimulate sustainable development.
The indigenous communities, especially the Association of Indigenous Village Leaders in Suriname, have already expressed their concerns about this. There is, among other things, objection to the fact that the protection zone is too limited, because traditional habitats extend much further.
In addition, the proposed law does not recognize collective property rights: the land remains domain land. This is of great concern to stakeholders. There are also fears that the temporary arrangement will further delay the full recognition of land rights.
The land rights issue is complex, but it is by no means unsolvable. Certainly not after decades of conversations, seminars and committees. Moreover, these seminars and committees have not been free of charge. It is striking that during elections all political parties seem to know exactly how to solve the problem, but once in government they fail in the approach.
It is hoped that President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons can indicate during her next annual speech that the issue has been resolved through legislation, following a dialogue based on the FPIC principle. But more importantly, that it will inform society that an effective enforcement mechanism has been put in place. Because there is no need for a law without enforcement.-.
