EU Strengthens Suriname Criminal Justice System

EU Strengthens Suriname Criminal Justice System

The project was implemented with the support of the EU Delegation to Guyana, Suriname and CARICOM for which it is responsible, and forms part of a broader regional programme in the Caribbean. The project was coordinated by the Center for International Legal Cooperation (CILC), in close collaboration with its Surinamese partner, the Centre for Democracy and the Rule of Law (CDR). On the Dutch side, the project was implemented by the Council for the Judiciary, the Training and Study Centre for the Judiciary (SSR), the Public Prosecution Service and the Dutch Police.

On 19 and 20 January 2026, the closing event of the European Union-funded project "Strengthening the (Criminal) Justice System in Suriname" took place in Paramaribo. The event marked the successful completion of a four-year project aimed at strengthening capacity, knowledge and professionalism within Suriname's justice sector.
The closing event brought together representatives of the three Surinamese partner institutions involved in the project: the High Court of Justice of Suriname, the Public Prosecutor's Office and the Korps Politie Suriname (Suriname Police Force). Participants also included the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Suriname, Dutch institutional partners and project experts. Other justice chain actors, including (youth) probation services and the Bar Association, were also present.
The project focused on strengthening three key pillars of the justice system: the judiciary, the Public Prosecutor's Office and the police. During the project period, from May 2022 to January 2026, investments were made to enhance the legal knowledge and practical skills of (aspiring) judges, court clerks, legal staff, (deputy) public prosecutors and police officers.
During the closing event Ambassador of the European Union to Suriname, Luca Pierantoni said, "The successful conclusion of this project marks a significant milestone in our enduring partnership with Suriname. By strengthening the criminal justice system, we are not just improving administrative processes; we are reinforcing the very foundations of the rule of law and ensuring that every citizen has access to fair, transparent, and timely justice. The European Union remains a committed ally in Suriname's journey toward a more robust and equitable legal framework."
H.E. Walter Oostelbos, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Suriname, also underscored the importance of continued investment in and maintenance of the rule of law. He noted that cooperation between Suriname and the Netherlands has been further deepened through this project and reflects shared values regarding democracy, good governance and an effectively functioning justice system. According to the Ambassador, further professionalisation of the judiciary and the police is essential to strengthen public trust in the (criminal) justice system.
During the event, the project team and the Surinamese partner institutions presented the project's key achievements. More than thirty judges-in-training received intensive training in both civil and criminal law, alongside a large number of court clerks and legal support staff. Within the Public Prosecutor's Office, efforts focused on the introduction of mediation and alternative sanctions, particularly in juvenile justice cases. For the Suriname Police Force, activities centred on leadership development and improving human resource and organisational management. These efforts have resulted in tangible improvements in operational efficiency, management capacity and the reduction of case backlogs.
Ms Garcia Paragsingh, Prosecutor General of the Public Prosecutor's Office of Suriname, highlighted the growing complexity of contemporary criminal justice challenges and the high expectations society places on the justice system. She emphasised that these challenges require stronger institutional structures and a sustainably embedded level of professional expertise across the entire justice chain.
In his closing remarks, Mr Harish Monorath, Minister of Justice and Police, stressed the responsibility of the Surinamese Government to guarantee a strong rule of law. He noted that this requires continuous attention to the conditions necessary to ensure transparency, quality and continuity in the long term. A modern, efficient and transparent justice system, supported by society as a whole, is essential to promote justice for all citizens and to guarantee a safe environment for future generations.