Suriname accounted for its human rights situation in the country on Monday, 2 November 2026, during the fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Geneva. Minister of Justice and Security Harish Monorath presented the government’s results for the period from 2021 through 2026.
Although progress has been made in several areas, according to the government, the recognition of land rights of Indigenous and Tribal peoples, improved detention conditions and the establishment of independent human rights institutions remain key points of attention.
The review took place during the 53rd session of the UPR Working Group of the United Nations Human Rights Council. This periodic review examines how countries comply with their international human rights obligations and what improvements are necessary.
During his presentation, Minister Monorath emphasised that the protection and promotion of human rights are an ongoing responsibility of the State. According to him, the international review should not only provide insight into the results achieved, but also make clear to what extent government policy actually contributes to improvements for the population.
Human rights institute not yet operational
One of the main points of attention is the establishment of an independent National Human Rights Institute. Although Suriname has been working for some time on the legal and institutional preparations, the institute is not yet operational.
The government aims to have the institution fully functioning in 2027. To this end, the legal basis must be further developed. Its independence, financing and appointment procedures must also be guaranteed.
In the area of legislation, Monorath pointed to the abolition of the death penalty in both ordinary and military criminal law. In addition, De Nationale Assemblée (Suriname’s parliament) approved legislation on 23 July 2026 enabling accession to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The international accession procedure still has to be completed.
Suriname’s accession to the Convention against Torture in November 2021 was also cited as an important development.
Land rights remain unresolved
The collective rights of Indigenous and Tribal peoples also formed an important part of the review. Suriname still does not have a fully operational legal framework under which the collective land rights of these communities are recognised and protected.
The bill on this matter is still being considered by De Nationale Assemblée. According to the government, the Land Rights Project 2026–2030, launched in May 2026, should contribute to further consultations and the development of an enforceable legal arrangement.
Monorath underscored the importance of meaningful involvement of communities in decisions affecting their residential and living areas. Reference was made in this regard to the principle of free, prior and informed consent.
The implementation of measures to protect collective rights therefore remains an important issue for the coming years.
More judges, but access to justice remains a challenge
In the area of the administration of justice, the government presented the expansion of the judiciary as an important improvement. On 23 October, fifteen new judges were installed, bringing the total number of judges to 45.
In addition, eleven judicial trainees are expected to complete their training in 2027. Work is also under way to expand the capacity of the Openbaar Ministerie (Public Prosecution Service).
The government wants to further decentralise legal services so that residents of districts and remote communities have easier access to justice and legal assistance.
At the same time, Monorath acknowledged that conditions within the prison system require further improvement. Detention infrastructure, specialised medical care and independent oversight in particular remain points of attention.
Eighteen certified case managers have now been deployed for the guidance and resocialisation of detainees.
Child protection and social provisions
The protection of children also received attention during the review. Through the Wet Kinderombudspersoon, Suriname has created a legal basis for a specialised institution that must oversee children’s rights.
However, the institution is not yet operational. A working group is preparing its further implementation.
In addition, parliament approved legislation on 20 October 2026 enabling accession to four Hague conventions in the area of international child protection and family law. The international procedures and practical implementation still have to be completed.
In the social sphere, the government pointed to increased financial support for elderly people, persons with disabilities and vulnerable households. The Algemene Kinderbijslag has also been increased.
Education and healthcare in the interior
According to the government, access to education and healthcare in the interior remains a structural challenge.
Long distances, limited transport options, inadequate infrastructure and shortages of qualified staff hinder access to basic services.
The government says it is working on digital education opportunities, improved school transport and food support for pupils. Within healthcare, efforts are focused on better access to primary care.
According to Monorath, geographical conditions and limited financial resources affect the pace at which necessary improvements can be implemented.
Illegal gold mining and environmental pollution
The UPR also addressed the approach to environmental crimes. Specific attention was paid to illegal gold mining and possible contamination of water and soil.
The Environmental Crime Unit of the Korps Politie Suriname (Suriname Police Force), established in April 2024, investigates environmental crimes. The government cited investigations in Gunsi and Godo Olo in July and October 2026 respectively as examples.
The authorities work together in this regard with, among others, the Openbaar Ministerie, the Nationale Milieuautoriteit and the Bureau voor Openbare Gezondheidszorg.
The government acknowledges that conducting water quality research still has limitations, making Suriname partly dependent on foreign support.
Other countries make recommendations
During the interactive dialogue, several countries, according to the government statement, expressed both appreciation for the progress presented and recommendations for further improvement.
Attention focused, among other things, on independent oversight of police conduct, protection of journalists and human rights defenders, combating human trafficking, child protection and the rights of persons with disabilities.
The need to make independent human rights institutions genuinely operational and to better protect the collective rights of Indigenous and Tribal peoples was also highlighted.
Minister Monorath emphasised that international cooperation remains necessary to address the existing challenges.
The review makes clear that various measures have indeed been legally prepared or announced as policy, but have not yet been fully implemented. The coming years will have to show to what extent these intentions are translated into concrete improvements for the population.
The official UN agenda of Suriname’s fourth UPR review provides access to the documents and information on the proceedings.
