Legal framework on freedom of religion and actual application
In the Preamble to its Constitution, the people of Suriname acknowledge that, inspired by the love for their country and the belief in “the power of the Almighty”, it is their “duty to honour and guarantee the principles of freedom, equality and democracy, as well as the rights and fundamental freedoms of man”.
Article 8 (2) of the Constitution states that no one shall be discriminated against on the basis of birth, sex, race, language, religion, education, political opinion, economic position, or any other status.
Everyone has a right to moral integrity (Article 9, 1), peaceful association, and assembly (Article 20).
Workers’ rights are guaranteed by Article 28 without discrimination based on age, sex, race, nationality, religion, or political beliefs.
Conscientious objection is recognised by Article 180 (5) as acceptable grounds for refusing compulsory military service.
Under Article 10, citizens have the right to file a complaint before an independent and impartial judge if their rights and freedoms are violated.
In particular, the penal code punishes those who publicly, and by any means, instigate or promote discrimination based on religion or creed.
Those religious organisations interested in financial support from the government, including a government stipend for members of the clergy, are obliged to register with the Ministry of the Interior. Requirements include contact information, group history and organisation, and the location of their places of worship.
Religious education is not allowed in state schools. The government pays for teachers’ salaries and provides funding to cover the maintenance costs of schools run by religious groups.
Good Friday, Easter, Diwali, and Christmas are national holidays.5
The country is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Incidents and developments
In May 2021, there was controversy over the decision made by Suriname to open an embassy in Jerusalem, Israel. The proposal raised concerns as “only four countries - the United States, Honduras, Guatemala and Kosovo - currently have embassies in Jerusalem instead of Tel Aviv.” The foreign minister stated that talks would be held with several groups before any final decision was taken, including talks with the Surinamese Islamic Association, the Interfaith Council, and others.7 In June 2022, the government backtracked on the decision citing the lack of funds to build the embassy.
In June 2022, a bill was presented to provide a legal framework to protect the collective rights of indigenous people and tribes.6
In July 2022, the book Religion, Power, and Society in Suriname and Guyana's Hindu, Muslim, and Christian Relations was released. It focused on the country’s religious diversity and the relative harmony between its religious groups.8
In relation to the pandemic, during the first half of 2021, some religious groups protested quarantine measures designed to stop the spread of Covid-19.9 In July 2022, churches were able to reopen after the authorities reached an agreement with religious organisations over capacity and health measures that needed to be monitored.10
Prospects for freedom of religion
During the period under review, there were no incidents of intolerance or religious discrimination. Suriname has a diverse society when it comes to religion and its different communities coexist peacefully. The religious situation has not changed, and prospects remain positive.
Suriname