Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) - Suriname (Ratification: 1976)
Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 - Suriname (Ratification: 2019)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2020, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Articles 1(1), 2(1) and 25 of the Convention. Trafficking in persons. 1. Legal framework and law enforcement. The Committee notes that section 334 of the 2015 Penal Code prescribes penalties for trafficking in persons for both labour and sexual exploitation, from imprisonment of up to nine years and a fine of up to 1,000,000 Surinamese Dollars (approximately US$134,000). The Penal Code provides for higher penalties in aggravating circumstances, with the highest penalty being imprisonment of up to 24 years, if the act results in death. The Committee also notes from the 2018 concluding observations of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) the establishment of: (i) the Trafficking in Persons Unit in the police force to investigate cases of trafficking in persons; (ii) the Trafficking in Persons Desk in the Public Prosecutor’s Department; and (iii) the Interdepartmental Working Group on Trafficking in Persons within the Ministry of Justice and Police (CEDAW/C/SUR/CO/4-6, paragraph 28). The Committee notes from the same report that CEDAW raises concern at the limited capacity and responsiveness of the institutions created to monitor compliance with anti-trafficking laws, particularly in the interior of the country (paragraph 28). In this respect, the Committee noted, in its direct request on the application of the Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182), the training of district commissioners, immigration officials, and labour inspectors in identifying victims of trafficking. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to prevent and combat trafficking in persons, including the allocation of adequate human, material and financial resources to the dedicated Government entities, and to continue to provide information on the training provided to the law enforcement officers working in this area. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the application in practice of section 334 of the Penal Code, including the number of investigations, prosecutions and convictions, and to specify the penalties imposed.

2. Institutional framework. The Committee notes that, according to the 2018 concluding observations of CEDAW, the Interdepartmental Working Group on Trafficking in Persons developed the National Strategy and Action Plan to combat trafficking in persons, which were adopted in 2014 (paragraphs 4 and 28). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any measures adopted by the Interdepartmental Working Group on Trafficking in Persons, particularly regarding the implementation of the national strategy and action plan to combat trafficking in persons. It also requests the Government to provide copies of the National Strategy and Action Plan.

3. Assistance and protection for victims. The Committee refers to its direct request on the application of Convention No. 182, in which it notes the Government’s reference to an improved referral system between the criminal law enforcement authorities and the social services, and the provision of protection and support to victims of child labour and prostitution. The Committee also notes the observations made in 2016 by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC/C/SUR/CO/3-4, paragraph 21), and in 2018 by CEDAW (CEDAW/C/SUR/CO/4-6, paragraph 28) concerning doubts on the adequate staffing and funding of shelters, and the lack of information on the shelters available and the services provided by them. The Committee requests the Government to provide information regarding the protection of victims of trafficking in persons, including the number of victims identified, the types of assistance and services provided to them and the number who have benefited from such assistance and services.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

With reference to its previous comments, the Committee has taken note of the modifications to the Constitution promulgated by law of 8 April 1992, the text of which was communicated by the Government.

The Committee requests the Government to provide with its next report a copy of any Act adopted under article 177, paragraphs 2 and 4, of the Constitution.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

1. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government's indications that under the Civil Servants Act, employment is terminated within two months on the request of the person concerned, and that similar provisions govern the position of career members of the armed forces, except for special categories of personnel, such as military pilots and military conscripts signing voluntarily for an extra period of service, where longer periods of notice apply in accordance with the contract.

The Committee notes the provisions concerning periods of service of volunteers contained in the Government Order of 5 August 1981, issued under the Military Service Act, a copy of which was provided by the Government. The Committee hopes that the Government will also supply the texts governing the resignation of military pilots, so that it can ascertain whether the legislation in question is consistent with the Convention.

2. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that Decree No. E-5 of 5 November 1980 respecting the registration of unemployed persons requires unemployed persons to register at the District Office, subject to fines or imprisonment, and asked the Government to provide information on the practical application of the Decree.

The Committee notes from the Government's report that this Decree has not come into force. The Committee requests the Government to provide in future reports information on any change of situation with respect to the Decree.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1990, published 77th ILC session (1990)

1. In its previous comments, the Committee had noted that under the Civil Servants Act, employment is terminated within two months on the request of the person concerned, and that similar provisions govern the position of career members of the armed forces, except for special categories of personnel, such as military pilots and military conscripts signing voluntarily for an extra period of service, where longer periods of notice apply in accordance with the contract. The Committee requested the Government to supply the texts of the provisions referred to. The Committee noted the Government's statement in its report for the period July 1984 to July 1985 that the matter was at a stage of development and that it is considered as classified. In view of the Government's repeated indications in its previous reports that the information would be communicated as soon as possible, the Committee trusts that the Government's next report will contain full information on this matter so as to enable the Committee to ascertain the conformity of relevant legislation with the Convention.

2. In its previous comment, the Committee noted Decree E-5 dated 5 November 1980 respecting the registration of unemployed persons. It noted from the provisions of this Decree that unemployed persons have to register at the District Office and that failure to do so may be punished with fines or imprisonment. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the practical application of the Decree indicating in particular any further obligations of unemployed persons following their registration pursuant to the Decree.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1990, published 77th ILC session (1990)

The Committee notes with satisfaction that the Act laying down principles concerning the supervision of detainees and the management and superintendence of penitentiaries and houses of detention (GB. 1979, No. 21) entered into force on 1 October 1988. Under section 23 of the Act, work for private individuals, companies or associations, both inside and outside the penal institution, is only to take place if the detainee offers himself voluntarily for it, and only against payment to the State of the wages usual for the kind of work outside prison. Under section 24, wages to be granted to the detainee are to be fixed by the Minister, and in fixing the wage for work outside the institution, account is to be taken of the remuneration paid by the employer to the State for the work performed by the detainee.