| SURINAME Republic of Suriname Republiek Suriname Joined United Nations: 4 December 1975 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Updated 16 September 2012 |
CHAPTER V
BASIC RIGHTS, INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS
Article 8
All who are within the territory of Suriname have an equal claim to protection of person and property.
No one may be discriminated against on the grounds of birth, sex, race, language, religious origin, education, political beliefs, economic
position or any other status.
Article 9
Everyone has a right to physical, mental and moral integrity.
No one may be submitted to torture, degrading or inhuman treatment or punishment.
Article 10
Everyone has in case of infringement of his rights and freedoms a claim to an honest and public treatment of his complaint within a
reasonable time by an independent and impartial judge.
Article 11
No person may be withdrawn against his own will from the judge whom the law assigns to him.
Article 12
Everyone can have legal assistance before the courts
The law regulates the rendering of legal aid to those who are financially weaker.
Article 13
Loss of civil rights or the general forfeiture of all the goods of an offender may not be inflicted as a penalty or as a consequence of a
penalty for any crime.
Article 14
Everyone has a right to life. This right is protected by the law.
Article 15
No one shall be obliged to do forced or compulsory labor.
Article 16
Everyone has the right to personal liberty and safety.
No one will be deprived of his freedom, other than on grounds and according to proceedings determined by law.
Everyone who is deprived of his freedom has a right to a treatment in accordance with human dignity.
Article 17
Everyone has a right to respect of his privacy, his family life, his home and his honor and good name.
No dwelling may be entered against the occupant’s will except when commissioned by an authority which has the power to give that
order by virtue of law and subject to the conditions prescribed by the law.
The secrecy of letters, telephone and telegraph is inviolable except in the cases described by law.
Article 18
Everyone has the right of freedom of religion and philosophical conviction.
Article 19
Everyone has the right to make public his thoughts or feelings and to express his opinion through the printed press or other means of
communication, notwithstanding everyone’s responsibility according to the law.
Article 20
Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful association and assembly, taking into consideration the rules to be determined by law for
the protection of public order, safety, health and morality.
Article 21
The right to demonstrate peacefully is acknowledged.
The use of that right can, for the protection of public order, safety, health and morality, be submitted to limitation through the law.
Article 22
Everyone has the right to submit written petitions to the public authorities.
The law regulates the procedure for handling them.
Article 23
In case of war, danger of war, state of siege or state of emergency or for reasons of state security, public order and morality, the rights
mentioned in the Constitution may be submitted to limitations by law, which will be in force during a certain time, depending on the
circumstances, with due respect for the international rules applicable in that matter.
CHAPTER VI
SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS
First Section
THE RIGHT TO WORK
Article 24
The state shall take care of the creation of conditions in which an optimal satisfaction of the basic needs for work, food, health care,
education, energy, clothing and communication is obtained.
Article 25
Labour is the most important means of human development and an important source of wealth.
Article 26
Everyone has the right to work, in accordance with his capacities.
The duty to work is indissolubly attached to the right to work.
Everyone has the right of free choice of profession and work, except for regulations imposed by law.
Everyone has the right of initiative for economic production.
Second Section
STATE CONCERN FOR LABOUR
Article 27
It shall be the duty of the State to guarantee the right to work maximally by:
a. Following a planned policy, aimed at full employment;
b. Forbidding the discharge without sufficient cause or for political or ideological reasons;
c. Guaranteeing equal opportunity in the choice of profession and type of work and forbidding that access to any function or profession
by prevented on grounds of someone’s sex
d. Promoting professional training for employees.
The State shall take care of the creation of conditions for the optimal promotion of initiatives for economic production.
Third Section
RIGHTS OF EMPLOYEES
Article 28
All employees have, independent of age, sex, race, nationality, religion or political opinions, the right to:
a. Remuneration for their work corresponding to quantity, type, quality and experience on the basis of equal pay for equal work;
b. The performance of their task under humane conditions, in order to enable self-development;
c. Safe and healthy working condition;
d. Sufficient rest and recreation.
Fourth Section
DUTIES OF THE STATE CONCERNING THE RIGHTS OF EMPLOYEES
Article 29
It is the duty of the State to indicate the conditions for work, remuneration and rest to which employees are entitled, especially by:
a. Mankind regulations with regard to wages, time of work, about conditions and special categories or workers;
b. Supplying special protection on the job for women before and after pregnancy, for minors, disabled persons and for those who are
engaged in work which demands special efforts or who work in unhealthy or dangerous conditions.
Fifth Section
FREEDOM OF TRADE UNIONS
Article 30
Employees are free to establish trade unions to foster their rights and interests.
For the exercise of the rights of trade unions the following freedoms are guaranteed indiscriminately:
a. Freedom to join or not to join a trade union;
b. The right to participate in trade union activities.
Trade unions shall be bound by the principles of democratic organization and management, based on regular elections of their boards of
directors through secret ballot.
Sixth Section
RIGHTS OF TRADE UNIONS AND COLLECTIVE AGREEMENTS
Article 31
The trade unions shall have the power to defend the rights and interests of the employees they represent and for whom they assume
responsibility.
Trade unions shall participate in:
a. The preparation of labour legislation;
b. The creation of institutions of social security and other institutions aimed at serving the interests of employees;
c. The preparation for and the control of the execution of economic and social plans
Trade unions shall have the right to conclude collective labour agreements. The rules concerning the powers to conclude collective labour
agreements and the sphere of application of their rules shall be determined by law.
RIGHTS OF EMPLOYERS
Article 32
The associations for the defense of business entrepreneurs shall have the power to defend the rights and interests of those whom they
represent and for whom they assume responsibility.
Seventh Section
RIGHT TO STRIKE
Article 33
The right to strike is recognized subject to the limitations which stem from the law.
Eighth Section
RIGHT TO PROPERTY
Article 34
Property, of the community as well as of the private person, shall fulfill a social function. Everyone has the right to undisturbed use of his
property subject to the limitations which stem from the law.
Expropriation shall only take place for reasons of public utility according to rules to be laid down by law and against previously assured
compensation.
Compensation need not be previously assured if in case of emergency immediate expropriation is required.
In cases determined by or through the law, the right to compensation shall exist if the competent public authority destroys or renders
property unservicable or restricts the exercise of property rights for the public interest.
Ninth section
THE FAMILY
Article 35
The family is recognized and protected.
Husband and wife are equal before the law.
Every child shall have the right to protection without any form of discrimination.
Parents shall have the same responsibilities towards legal or natural children.
The State recognizes the extraordinary value of motherhood.
Working women shall be entitled to paid maternity leave.
Tenth Section
HEALTH
Article 36
Everyone shall have a right to good health.
The State shall promote the general health care by systematic improvement of living and working conditions and shall give information on
the protection of health.
Eleventh Section
YOUTH
Article 37
Young people shall enjoy special protection for the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights, among which are:
a. Access to education, culture and work;
b. Vocational schooling;
c. Physical training, sports and recreation;
The primary goal of youth policy shall be the development of the personality of the young person and of the concept of service to the
community.
Twelfth Section
EDUCATION AND CULTURE
Article 38
Everyone shall have a right to education and to enjoyment of culture.
The provision of education shall be free, subject to State control of all public educational institutions in keeping with the national education
policy and the rules regarding education laid down by the State.
The practice of science and technology shall be free.
The State shall promote the kind of education and the conditions under which school education and other forms of education can
contribute to the development of a democratic and socially just society.
The State shall promote the democratization of culture by stimulating the enjoyment of culture and cultural relations and through assuring
the availability of those cultural creations to all citizens by means of cultural and recreational organizations , information media and other
suitable channels.
Thirteenth Section
EDUCATION
Article 39
The State shall recognize and guarantee the right of all citizens to education and shall offer them equal opportunity for schooling. In the
execution of its education policy the State shall be under the obligation:
a. To assure obligatory and free general primary education;
b. To assure durable education and to end analphabetism;
c. To enable all citizens to attain the highest levels of education, scientific research and artistic creation, in accordance with their
capacities;
d. To provide, in phases, free education on all levels;
e. To tune education to the productive and social needs of the society
CHAPTER VII
THE ECONOMIC ORDER:
TASKS OF THE STATE IN THE ECONOMIC ORDER
Article 40
In order to promote the socioeconomic development towards a socially just society, a development plan shall be determined by law, taking
into consideration the national and socioeconomic goals of the State.
Article 41
Natural riches and resources are property of the nation and shall be used to promote economic, social and cultural development. The
nation shall have the inalienable right to take complete possession of the natural resources in order to apply them to the needs of the
economic, social and cultural development of Suriname.
Article 42
The law shall guarantee that the mode of exercise of trade and industry is not contrary to the national goals, the public interest and notably
the public policy, health, morality and state security.
The currency exchange shall be regulated by law.
Article 43
The structure of the financial system shall be regulated by law in such a manner that by saving and by the correct allocation of the
necessary financial means, investments in the productive sector would be advanced.
Article 44
The right to industrial property shall be regulated by law.
CHAPTER VIII
THE SOCIAL ORDER
Article 45
The social order shall be based in principle on a society, wherein all Suriname citizens have equal rights and obligations.
Article 46
The State shall create the conditions, which lay the foundations for the formation of citizens capable of participating in a democratic and
effective manner in the development process of the nation.
Article 47
The State shall safeguard and protect the cultural heritage of Suriname, stimulate its preservation and promote the use of science and
technology in the context of the national development aims.
Article 48
The State shall inspect the production, storing and handling of chemical, biological, pharmaceutical and other products, intended for
consumption, medical treatment and diagnosis.
The State shall inspect all medical functions, the function of pharmacist and other paramedical practices.
The inspection of the products and functions mentioned in paragraphs (2) and (3) shall be regulated by law.
Article 49
A housing plan shall be determined by law, aimed at the procurement of a sufficient number of affordable houses and State control of the
use of real estate for public housing.
Article 50
The policy regarding widows, orphans, the aged, invalids and incapacitated workers shall be indicated by law.
Article 51
The State shall take care to make the services of legal aid institutions accessible to those looking for justice.
CHAPTER IX
PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRATIC STATE ORGANIZATION
First Section
POLITICAL DEMOCRACY
Article 52
All political power is vested in the people and shall be exercised in accordance with the constitution.
Political democracy is characterized by the participation and representation of the Suriname people, which shall express itself through the
participation of the people in laying down a democratic political regime, and through their participation in legislation and administration,
aimed at the upholding and expanding of this system. Political democracy shall further create the conditions for the participation of the
people in t general, free and secret elections for the composition of representative organs and of the Government.
Accountability to the people, supervision of government actions by institutions created for that purpose and the right of revocation with
regard to elected representatives are guarantees for true democracy.
Second Section
POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS
Article 53
The State shall accept the freedom of citizens to create political organizations, subject to the limitations which stem from the law.
Political organizations shall respect the national sovereignty and democracy.
In exercising their mandate the political organizations shall take into account the following:
a. Their goals may not be in violation of or incompatible with the Constitution and the laws;
b. The organization shall be accessible to the Suriname citizen, who fulfills criteria to be defined by law provided that he agrees upon the
basic principles of the party.
c. The internal organization must be democratic, which shall be evidenced inter alia by:
- regular elections for the board of directors;
- the prerequisite that candidates proposed of the chamber of representatives shall be elected within the party structures;
d. The electorate shall be informed of the political program and the election program of the political organizations;
e. Annual publications of sources of income and accounts shall be made in the Official Journal of the Republic of Suriname and at least
one newspaper;
f. Their functioning shall be in accordance with principles of good administration, and with prescribed legal rules for the guaranteeing of
openness and transparency;
g. The drafting of a programme, with as sole goal the promotion of the national interest
Third Section
BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR THE FUNCTIONING OF THE STATE ORGANS
Article 54
The State is obliged to register those with voting rights and to convoke them to participate in the elections. The registration of the voters
shall serve no other purpose. Those with a right to vote are obliged to cooperate with the registration of the electorate.
For the organization and the functioning of the state organs the following principles shall be respected:
a. Decisions of higher State organs shall be binding upon lower organs. This rule does not apply to judicial organs;
b. Lower State organs shall be deemed to submit justification to the superior organs and to give account of their work;
c. The local, administrative and executive organs shall be subject to control by the representative bodies;
d. The freedom of discussion, criticism and recognition of the minority and the majority shall apply in all councils and organs of the State;
e. Those who hold political office shall be liable in civil and criminal law for their acts and omissions;
f. Those who hold political office shall be under the obligation to fulfill their tasks in the public interest;
g. No one shall be nominated for life in a political office;
h. The central authority shall organize the regular dissemination of information on government policy and state administration, in order to
allow the people to participate optimally in the administrative structures. The lower administration shall have the obligation to create a
process of communication with the people, for the purpose of making government public-oriented and for participation in policy-making.
BASIC RIGHTS, INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS
Article 8
All who are within the territory of Suriname have an equal claim to protection of person and property.
No one may be discriminated against on the grounds of birth, sex, race, language, religious origin, education, political beliefs, economic
position or any other status.
Article 9
Everyone has a right to physical, mental and moral integrity.
No one may be submitted to torture, degrading or inhuman treatment or punishment.
Article 10
Everyone has in case of infringement of his rights and freedoms a claim to an honest and public treatment of his complaint within a
reasonable time by an independent and impartial judge.
Article 11
No person may be withdrawn against his own will from the judge whom the law assigns to him.
Article 12
Everyone can have legal assistance before the courts
The law regulates the rendering of legal aid to those who are financially weaker.
Article 13
Loss of civil rights or the general forfeiture of all the goods of an offender may not be inflicted as a penalty or as a consequence of a
penalty for any crime.
Article 14
Everyone has a right to life. This right is protected by the law.
Article 15
No one shall be obliged to do forced or compulsory labor.
Article 16
Everyone has the right to personal liberty and safety.
No one will be deprived of his freedom, other than on grounds and according to proceedings determined by law.
Everyone who is deprived of his freedom has a right to a treatment in accordance with human dignity.
Article 17
Everyone has a right to respect of his privacy, his family life, his home and his honor and good name.
No dwelling may be entered against the occupant’s will except when commissioned by an authority which has the power to give that
order by virtue of law and subject to the conditions prescribed by the law.
The secrecy of letters, telephone and telegraph is inviolable except in the cases described by law.
Article 18
Everyone has the right of freedom of religion and philosophical conviction.
Article 19
Everyone has the right to make public his thoughts or feelings and to express his opinion through the printed press or other means of
communication, notwithstanding everyone’s responsibility according to the law.
Article 20
Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful association and assembly, taking into consideration the rules to be determined by law for
the protection of public order, safety, health and morality.
Article 21
The right to demonstrate peacefully is acknowledged.
The use of that right can, for the protection of public order, safety, health and morality, be submitted to limitation through the law.
Article 22
Everyone has the right to submit written petitions to the public authorities.
The law regulates the procedure for handling them.
Article 23
In case of war, danger of war, state of siege or state of emergency or for reasons of state security, public order and morality, the rights
mentioned in the Constitution may be submitted to limitations by law, which will be in force during a certain time, depending on the
circumstances, with due respect for the international rules applicable in that matter.
CHAPTER VI
SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS
First Section
THE RIGHT TO WORK
Article 24
The state shall take care of the creation of conditions in which an optimal satisfaction of the basic needs for work, food, health care,
education, energy, clothing and communication is obtained.
Article 25
Labour is the most important means of human development and an important source of wealth.
Article 26
Everyone has the right to work, in accordance with his capacities.
The duty to work is indissolubly attached to the right to work.
Everyone has the right of free choice of profession and work, except for regulations imposed by law.
Everyone has the right of initiative for economic production.
Second Section
STATE CONCERN FOR LABOUR
Article 27
It shall be the duty of the State to guarantee the right to work maximally by:
a. Following a planned policy, aimed at full employment;
b. Forbidding the discharge without sufficient cause or for political or ideological reasons;
c. Guaranteeing equal opportunity in the choice of profession and type of work and forbidding that access to any function or profession
by prevented on grounds of someone’s sex
d. Promoting professional training for employees.
The State shall take care of the creation of conditions for the optimal promotion of initiatives for economic production.
Third Section
RIGHTS OF EMPLOYEES
Article 28
All employees have, independent of age, sex, race, nationality, religion or political opinions, the right to:
a. Remuneration for their work corresponding to quantity, type, quality and experience on the basis of equal pay for equal work;
b. The performance of their task under humane conditions, in order to enable self-development;
c. Safe and healthy working condition;
d. Sufficient rest and recreation.
Fourth Section
DUTIES OF THE STATE CONCERNING THE RIGHTS OF EMPLOYEES
Article 29
It is the duty of the State to indicate the conditions for work, remuneration and rest to which employees are entitled, especially by:
a. Mankind regulations with regard to wages, time of work, about conditions and special categories or workers;
b. Supplying special protection on the job for women before and after pregnancy, for minors, disabled persons and for those who are
engaged in work which demands special efforts or who work in unhealthy or dangerous conditions.
Fifth Section
FREEDOM OF TRADE UNIONS
Article 30
Employees are free to establish trade unions to foster their rights and interests.
For the exercise of the rights of trade unions the following freedoms are guaranteed indiscriminately:
a. Freedom to join or not to join a trade union;
b. The right to participate in trade union activities.
Trade unions shall be bound by the principles of democratic organization and management, based on regular elections of their boards of
directors through secret ballot.
Sixth Section
RIGHTS OF TRADE UNIONS AND COLLECTIVE AGREEMENTS
Article 31
The trade unions shall have the power to defend the rights and interests of the employees they represent and for whom they assume
responsibility.
Trade unions shall participate in:
a. The preparation of labour legislation;
b. The creation of institutions of social security and other institutions aimed at serving the interests of employees;
c. The preparation for and the control of the execution of economic and social plans
Trade unions shall have the right to conclude collective labour agreements. The rules concerning the powers to conclude collective labour
agreements and the sphere of application of their rules shall be determined by law.
RIGHTS OF EMPLOYERS
Article 32
The associations for the defense of business entrepreneurs shall have the power to defend the rights and interests of those whom they
represent and for whom they assume responsibility.
Seventh Section
RIGHT TO STRIKE
Article 33
The right to strike is recognized subject to the limitations which stem from the law.
Eighth Section
RIGHT TO PROPERTY
Article 34
Property, of the community as well as of the private person, shall fulfill a social function. Everyone has the right to undisturbed use of his
property subject to the limitations which stem from the law.
Expropriation shall only take place for reasons of public utility according to rules to be laid down by law and against previously assured
compensation.
Compensation need not be previously assured if in case of emergency immediate expropriation is required.
In cases determined by or through the law, the right to compensation shall exist if the competent public authority destroys or renders
property unservicable or restricts the exercise of property rights for the public interest.
Ninth section
THE FAMILY
Article 35
The family is recognized and protected.
Husband and wife are equal before the law.
Every child shall have the right to protection without any form of discrimination.
Parents shall have the same responsibilities towards legal or natural children.
The State recognizes the extraordinary value of motherhood.
Working women shall be entitled to paid maternity leave.
Tenth Section
HEALTH
Article 36
Everyone shall have a right to good health.
The State shall promote the general health care by systematic improvement of living and working conditions and shall give information on
the protection of health.
Eleventh Section
YOUTH
Article 37
Young people shall enjoy special protection for the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights, among which are:
a. Access to education, culture and work;
b. Vocational schooling;
c. Physical training, sports and recreation;
The primary goal of youth policy shall be the development of the personality of the young person and of the concept of service to the
community.
Twelfth Section
EDUCATION AND CULTURE
Article 38
Everyone shall have a right to education and to enjoyment of culture.
The provision of education shall be free, subject to State control of all public educational institutions in keeping with the national education
policy and the rules regarding education laid down by the State.
The practice of science and technology shall be free.
The State shall promote the kind of education and the conditions under which school education and other forms of education can
contribute to the development of a democratic and socially just society.
The State shall promote the democratization of culture by stimulating the enjoyment of culture and cultural relations and through assuring
the availability of those cultural creations to all citizens by means of cultural and recreational organizations , information media and other
suitable channels.
Thirteenth Section
EDUCATION
Article 39
The State shall recognize and guarantee the right of all citizens to education and shall offer them equal opportunity for schooling. In the
execution of its education policy the State shall be under the obligation:
a. To assure obligatory and free general primary education;
b. To assure durable education and to end analphabetism;
c. To enable all citizens to attain the highest levels of education, scientific research and artistic creation, in accordance with their
capacities;
d. To provide, in phases, free education on all levels;
e. To tune education to the productive and social needs of the society
CHAPTER VII
THE ECONOMIC ORDER:
TASKS OF THE STATE IN THE ECONOMIC ORDER
Article 40
In order to promote the socioeconomic development towards a socially just society, a development plan shall be determined by law, taking
into consideration the national and socioeconomic goals of the State.
Article 41
Natural riches and resources are property of the nation and shall be used to promote economic, social and cultural development. The
nation shall have the inalienable right to take complete possession of the natural resources in order to apply them to the needs of the
economic, social and cultural development of Suriname.
Article 42
The law shall guarantee that the mode of exercise of trade and industry is not contrary to the national goals, the public interest and notably
the public policy, health, morality and state security.
The currency exchange shall be regulated by law.
Article 43
The structure of the financial system shall be regulated by law in such a manner that by saving and by the correct allocation of the
necessary financial means, investments in the productive sector would be advanced.
Article 44
The right to industrial property shall be regulated by law.
CHAPTER VIII
THE SOCIAL ORDER
Article 45
The social order shall be based in principle on a society, wherein all Suriname citizens have equal rights and obligations.
Article 46
The State shall create the conditions, which lay the foundations for the formation of citizens capable of participating in a democratic and
effective manner in the development process of the nation.
Article 47
The State shall safeguard and protect the cultural heritage of Suriname, stimulate its preservation and promote the use of science and
technology in the context of the national development aims.
Article 48
The State shall inspect the production, storing and handling of chemical, biological, pharmaceutical and other products, intended for
consumption, medical treatment and diagnosis.
The State shall inspect all medical functions, the function of pharmacist and other paramedical practices.
The inspection of the products and functions mentioned in paragraphs (2) and (3) shall be regulated by law.
Article 49
A housing plan shall be determined by law, aimed at the procurement of a sufficient number of affordable houses and State control of the
use of real estate for public housing.
Article 50
The policy regarding widows, orphans, the aged, invalids and incapacitated workers shall be indicated by law.
Article 51
The State shall take care to make the services of legal aid institutions accessible to those looking for justice.
CHAPTER IX
PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRATIC STATE ORGANIZATION
First Section
POLITICAL DEMOCRACY
Article 52
All political power is vested in the people and shall be exercised in accordance with the constitution.
Political democracy is characterized by the participation and representation of the Suriname people, which shall express itself through the
participation of the people in laying down a democratic political regime, and through their participation in legislation and administration,
aimed at the upholding and expanding of this system. Political democracy shall further create the conditions for the participation of the
people in t general, free and secret elections for the composition of representative organs and of the Government.
Accountability to the people, supervision of government actions by institutions created for that purpose and the right of revocation with
regard to elected representatives are guarantees for true democracy.
Second Section
POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS
Article 53
The State shall accept the freedom of citizens to create political organizations, subject to the limitations which stem from the law.
Political organizations shall respect the national sovereignty and democracy.
In exercising their mandate the political organizations shall take into account the following:
a. Their goals may not be in violation of or incompatible with the Constitution and the laws;
b. The organization shall be accessible to the Suriname citizen, who fulfills criteria to be defined by law provided that he agrees upon the
basic principles of the party.
c. The internal organization must be democratic, which shall be evidenced inter alia by:
- regular elections for the board of directors;
- the prerequisite that candidates proposed of the chamber of representatives shall be elected within the party structures;
d. The electorate shall be informed of the political program and the election program of the political organizations;
e. Annual publications of sources of income and accounts shall be made in the Official Journal of the Republic of Suriname and at least
one newspaper;
f. Their functioning shall be in accordance with principles of good administration, and with prescribed legal rules for the guaranteeing of
openness and transparency;
g. The drafting of a programme, with as sole goal the promotion of the national interest
Third Section
BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR THE FUNCTIONING OF THE STATE ORGANS
Article 54
The State is obliged to register those with voting rights and to convoke them to participate in the elections. The registration of the voters
shall serve no other purpose. Those with a right to vote are obliged to cooperate with the registration of the electorate.
For the organization and the functioning of the state organs the following principles shall be respected:
a. Decisions of higher State organs shall be binding upon lower organs. This rule does not apply to judicial organs;
b. Lower State organs shall be deemed to submit justification to the superior organs and to give account of their work;
c. The local, administrative and executive organs shall be subject to control by the representative bodies;
d. The freedom of discussion, criticism and recognition of the minority and the majority shall apply in all councils and organs of the State;
e. Those who hold political office shall be liable in civil and criminal law for their acts and omissions;
f. Those who hold political office shall be under the obligation to fulfill their tasks in the public interest;
g. No one shall be nominated for life in a political office;
h. The central authority shall organize the regular dissemination of information on government policy and state administration, in order to
allow the people to participate optimally in the administrative structures. The lower administration shall have the obligation to create a
process of communication with the people, for the purpose of making government public-oriented and for participation in policy-making.
Suriname achieved self-government in 1954 and independence from Holland on 25 November 1975
when it issued its first constitution. A military coup ensued on 25 February 1980 and was followed by a
succession of takeovers which forced the suspension of democracy and, with it, aid from Holland and the
United States. Democracy returned in 1985; however an anti-government rebellion was led by the
Maroons of the interior. A new constitution was adopted 30 September 1987 with extensive revisions in
1992. The rights and liberties of the current constitution are enumerated in Chapters 5 through 9,
conforming to the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights of which Suriname is a signatory, and are
detailed below. For a full English translation of Suriname's constitution, click here.
when it issued its first constitution. A military coup ensued on 25 February 1980 and was followed by a
succession of takeovers which forced the suspension of democracy and, with it, aid from Holland and the
United States. Democracy returned in 1985; however an anti-government rebellion was led by the
Maroons of the interior. A new constitution was adopted 30 September 1987 with extensive revisions in
1992. The rights and liberties of the current constitution are enumerated in Chapters 5 through 9,
conforming to the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights of which Suriname is a signatory, and are
detailed below. For a full English translation of Suriname's constitution, click here.