Statement by Omar Overman, Chair of the LGBT Platform Suriname on the Occassion of the 4th Periodic Review of Suriname at 141st session of the United Nations Human Rights Committee on the Convention of Civil and Political Rights (CCPR)
Chair, distinguished committee members, all others present or listening,
This presentation on the status of LGBTQI rights in Suriname, is part of the joint submission by Projekta Suriname , the VIDS (Vereniging van Inheemse Dorpshoofden in Suriname), the LGBT Platform Suriname and on behalf of its affiliated organizations Monday new, Parea Suriname, Suriname Men United , WomenSWay, Trans In Action and various individuals. In the reporting period 2015 - 2024, Suriname has made some strides in legal protections for LGBTQI individuals, but significant gaps remain.
Regarding - Equal Treatment for Same-Sex Partners: Suriname lacks legal recognition for same-sex relationships. In the Constitutional Court's ruling in 2023, in which a couple who legally married abroad couldn’t have their marriage recognized in Suriname, the court deferred legislative action to the parliament. As we speak Suriname’s revised Civil Code is being discussed in parliament, yet to date the bill still does not include any form of recognition for same-sex relationships. This leaves same-sex couples without critical protections. Suriname must ensure marriage equality for all and align with international human rights standards.
Regarding Gender Recognition for Transgender Persons: The 2022 High Court of Justice ruling created a president for Gender Recognition for Transgender Persons. However, this has only enabled one successful legal gender change to date due to the restrictiveness of the ruling requiring a lengthy, costly legal process with psychological assessments and complete gender reassignment surgery. Suriname must establish a more humane and accessible route for legal gender recognition, removing unnecessary medical requirements and ensuring safety and dignity for transgender persons.
Despite adoption of anti-discrimination and gender-neutral laws, access to LGBTIQ Inclusive Services remains low due to weak law enforcement and cultural and religious opposition remains strong. Studies show 67% of LGBTQI-persons have experienced some form of discrimination. In 2022 violence peaked with 79 physical violence cases, 90 verbal harassment cases and 61 emotional abuse cases. Furthermore, less than 36% of LGBTQI-persons seek medical help when needed. We therefore recommend amending existing laws to provide full legal protection for LGBTQI individuals. As well as to establish and maintain human rights desks and support networks to provide assistance and advocacy for LGBTQI individuals facing discrimination and violence. We also recommend increasing the availability of services tailored to LGBTQI needs, including mental health-, hormone replacement-, reproductive health care, and specific interventions for high-risk groups. As well as the implementation of gender and sexual studies in educational curricula and provide training for healthcare providers, law enforcement, teachers and other service providers to ensure sensitivity and inclusivity. And lastly promote awareness and education campaigns to reduce stigma and discrimination and foster a more inclusive society.
In conclusion: Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach involving legal reforms, improved access to services, societal awareness, and continuous monitoring. By implementing these recommendations, Suriname can make significant strides towards ensuring equality and justice for all its citizens regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
I, thank you.
#Suriname #UnitedNations #CCPR #LGBTQI #BUPO #LHBTQI #HumanRights #MensenRechten