UK Statement on Suriname at the 25th Session of the Universal Periodic Review, Geneva, 2 - 13 May 2016
The UK delivers its statement on the Universal Periodic Review of Suriname, 2 May 2016.
The UPR takes place at the Palais des Nations, Geneva
Thank you, Mr President,
The UK welcomes the progress made by Suriname since its last review, including the comprehensive set of activities undertaken on Women’s Rights, discrimination and gender equality. We also welcome the abolition of the death penalty from Suriname’s Criminal Code, and its forthcoming abolition from the Military Penal Code.
The UK notes the information in Suriname’s National Report on actions taken with regard to land rights for Indigenous People, and encourages the Government of Suriname to continue its efforts in ensuring that the land rights of indigenous communities are legally recognised and that, as far as possible, indigenous communities benefit fully from the provision of public services.
Recommendations:
- That Suriname ratifies the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
- That Suriname fully align its national legislation with the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, including incorporating provisions to cooperate promptly and fully with the International Criminal Court, and investigate and prosecute genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes effectively before its national courts, and accede to the Agreement on Privileges and Immunities of the Court.
Thank you, Mr President.