Suriname: GOS Response to Request for Initiatives on Counter

UNCLAS PARAMARIBO 000354 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM UN NS SUBJECT: Suriname: GOS Response to Request for Initiatives on Counter Torture REF: STATE 70129 ¶1. (U) Post is pleased to provide the Government of Suriname reaction to the June 26 statement by President Barack Obama on the United Nations International Day in Support of Torture Victims. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented information to the Embassy on October 30 regarding the Government of Suriname's initiatives on torture. The text of the diplomatic note follows. ¶2. (U) "The Republic of Suriname is not a party to the U.N. Convention against Torture. However, article 9; section 2 of the Constitution of the Republic of Suriname prohibits torture. Moreover, within the framework of the accession of The Republic of Suriname to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, the Ministry of Justice and Police of Suriname [is/sic] in charge of the enforcement of fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms conceived in draft legislation on "International Crimes," which include the penalization of torture. Furthermore, The Republic of Suriname has developed a policy with regard to victims of crimes. In relation hereto a "Bureau Slachtofferzort" (Victim's Assistance Office) is operational. The Republic of Suriname has also prepared draft legislation on "Schadefonds Geweldmisdrijven" (Damage Fund for Violent Crimes), which regards the establishment of a fund for financial compensation to victims of violent crimes who are not entitled to receive compensation in any other way." BELL