Suriname President pledges sustainable solution for land rights

Suriname's President Jennifer Simons has pledged that the government is committed to finding a collaborative and sustainable solution to the issue of indigenous land rights. Speaking during the Day of the Indigenous Peoples as part of National Heritage Month, Simons emphasized that indigenous communities are fundamental to the nation's history and future.

The President highlighted several critical challenges facing these communities, including illegal gold mining, deforestation, environmental pollution, and socio-economic inequality. She stressed the importance of adhering to international treaties and the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), stating that "FPIC is not an obstacle to national development. It is rather the foundation for inclusive, just, and sustainable progress."

As Suriname prepares for economic growth in the oil and gas sectors, Simons argued that development must be inclusive. She stated that decisions regarding the interior should be made in consultation with traditional authorities rather than over their heads, ensuring that local communities are direct partners in environmental protection and economic projects.