39th Universal Periodic Review of human rights: UK statement on Suriname
The UK delivered the statement on Suriname at the 39th Session of Universal Periodic Review (UPR), sharing recommendations to improve their human rights record.
Thank you, Madam President.
The United Kingdom welcomes the Republic of Suriname’s engagement with the UPR process and its approach to human rights, including its recent success in holding national elections in May 2020 which were assessed as free and fair by international election observers.
The UK also recognises that in 2019 Suriname ratified the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention 1930. However, we remain concerned by the conditions of detention centres, as well as the level of gender-based and discriminatory violence in society.
We recommend the Republic of Suriname:
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Enforce legislation and provide adequate resources and training for all officials within the criminal justice system to effectively investigate and prosecute modern slavery cases;
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Enact comprehensive measures to address concerns of mistreatment by police, including the use of unnecessary force during arrests and beatings whilst in detention, this includes stopping the police from using violence or enforcing demeaning acts on persons found violating government’s curfew orders;
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Seek training for law enforcement and judicial officers to ensure accountability for gender-based violence and discrimination against LGBTI communities.
Thank you, Madam President.