UN experts have called on Suriname to tackle the ongoing racial discrimination faced by people of African descent within the nation. Following a report by the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent, the UN has highlighted historical injustices linked to the enslavement and exclusion of this demographic, urging action to be taken to dismantle systemic biases (full report).
After a ten-day visit to Suriname, the experts provided comprehensive insights that revealed the socio-economic disadvantages faced by the African descent community, including the Maroons, Creole, and Afro-Surinamese groups. The testimonies collected disclosed significant disparities in education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, which have not only hindered material progress but also affected social integration (press release).
The experts also noted that historical stereotypes and insufficient recognition of the contributions made by African-descended peoples have exacerbated feelings of alienation. In response, Suriname has made legal adjustments, embedding anti-discrimination measures in its constitution and penal code, an advancement noted in recent rights group reports indicating an increased availability of civic and political rights (Freedom House report).
These recommendations from the UN experts align with the objectives of the Second International Decade of People of African Descent (2025-2034) and Suriname’s obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
The Working Group, established in 2002 and consisting of five experts, plans to submit a complete report to the Human Rights Council by September 2025. This initiative is another step towards recognizing and rectifying racial disparities, a challenge echoed across other contexts like the UN Committee on Child Rights’ previous criticisms of inadequate child protection efforts in several countries, including Suriname (child rights report).
For further information, the detailed article by JURIST is available here.