PARMARIBO, Suriname, Fb 24, CMC- The A Marron KOMPAS Foundation (AMK Foundation) has described as “unacceptable” plans by the government to amend the Framework Act on Collective Rights of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples.
In an open letter to the government and the National Assembly (DNA), AMK Foundation, said “this amendment is absolutely not in line with the expectations and recognition of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples as equal compatriots”..
The publication of the open letter follows the meeting of the Association of Indigenous Village Heads in Suriname (VIDS) and the Granman of the Okanisi, ZE Da Bono Velantie and the AMK Foundation.
The groups say they have always advocated for the Surinamese government ratify the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 169, instead of adopting its own Surinamese law.
“AMK still always supports this position, because with the ratification of this convention the rights of the Indigenous Peoples and Tribal Peoples will be better guaranteed.
“AMK calls on the government and DNA to withdraw this reprehensible amendment as soon as possible. In addition, the government and DNA must bring the law into line with the wishes and expectations of the Indigenous Peoples and Tribal Peoples, so that these peoples can lead a dignified existence in their centuries-old traditional living and residential areas. This unacceptable amendment clearly serves capitalists, which clearly serves their interests the most.”
The AMK Foundation said that it is also high time that the Surinamese government fully implements all pronounced international judgments in favour of the Indigenous Peoples and Tribal Peoples, namely the Moiwana Verdict, the Kalina and Lokono Verdict and the Saamaka Verdict.
”AMK calls on all descendants of Indigenous Peoples and Tribal Peoples in both the government and DNA to ensure that the rights of these peoples are not trampled on. AMK calls on these people to publicly express their opinion on this objectionable amendment.”
The Foundation said that it is also calling the leadership of the government and DNA to enter into discussions as soon as possible with all Indigenous Peoples and Tribal Peoples, in particular the Traditional Authorities, “in which text and explanation will be given of what this objectionable amendment actually entails.
“It must be clear that this objectionable amendment has caused serious unrest and has caused bad blood among the Indigenous Peoples and Tribal Peoples. The government and DNA are therefore obliged to restore peace,” according to the open letter.
CMC/ag/ir/2025.