IKSur has advocated for the release of six men on trial for involvement in May 2023 riots in Pikin Saron, following discontent among indigenous peoples over government treatment. The riots led to the deaths of two individuals during police confrontations. The IKSr highlighted ongoing discrimination and the lack of compliance with international human rights obligations by the Surinamese government.
The Indigenous Collective Suriname (IKSur) has called for the freedom of six individuals currently on trial linked to the riots that occurred in Pikin Saron in May 2023. A verdict is anticipated soon in this case, which resulted in the deaths of two men during clashes with law enforcement when gunmen attacked a police station. The protesters, allegedly from the Kaliña Amerindian tribe, expressed grievances regarding the mistreatment of indigenous communities by the Surinamese government, citing systemic discrimination and inadequate rights recognition. IKSur Chairman Lloyd HF Read condemned the ongoing injustices faced by indigenous peoples, emphasizing the historical displacement caused by colonial powers and the continued marginalization, as evidenced by lack of access to education and healthcare. He referenced the 2015 Kalina Lokono Verdict, wherein the Inter-American Court of Human Rights determined that Suriname failed to acknowledge the territorial rights of the Kalina and Lokono peoples. Despite this ruling, Read noted that the government has not complied with its obligations to these communities. The statement from IKSr further criticized the government’s response to the deaths of Dijksteel and Wolfjager, two indigenous individuals killed during the riots, highlighting the lack of an independent forensic investigation. Protesters have been held in pre-trial detention for extended periods under poor conditions—a violation of Inter-American standards. The IKSur criticized the prosecution’s attempts to label these detained men as terrorists, asserting that their demands for justice and equality in treatment remain unaddressed. In light of these circumstances, IKSr has urged both religious and social organizations to raise their voices in solidarity. The collective has appealed to Tamushi/Adajali—the supreme judge—to guide the earthly judge towards a fair decision rooted in justice and factual evidence.
This article discusses ongoing tensions surrounding the treatment of indigenous peoples in Suriname, specifically in relation to the government’s actions after riots in May 2023. The riots were a reaction to longstanding grievances about poor treatment, land rights, and a lack of governmental support for the indigenous communities, particularly the Kaliña Amerindian tribe. The legal and political ramifications of the riots have drawn significant attention, with calls for the release of detained individuals implicated in the unrest. The case is emblematic of broader issues of discrimination and human rights violations affecting indigenous groups in the region, against the backdrop of a historical narrative of oppression.
The situation surrounding the six detained men reflects deep-rooted issues of discrimination and marginalization faced by indigenous populations in Suriname. The continuing calls for their release, alongside demands for thorough independent investigations into police actions, underscore the urgent need for addressing indigenous rights and historical injustices. The IKSr’s appeal for justice and equal treatment highlights the broader struggles for recognition and respect for indigenous populations in the Surinamese legal and political landscape.
Original Source: caribbean.loopnews.com
