标签： Suriname

In a significant step toward fostering inclusive governance, 23 members of various factions in De Nationale Assemblée participated in an interactive training session on analyzing the National Budget through a gender lens. The session, titled ‘A Fair Budget: The National Budget Through a Gender Lens,’ was organized by Stichting Projekta in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs. Held on Friday, the training underscored the importance of recognizing that budgetary policies are not neutral and can disproportionately impact different societal groups. Sharda Ganga, Director of Projekta, led the session, which was funded by the Equality Fund. Participants were equipped with practical tools to assess the 2026 budget’s effects on women, men, boys, and girls, with applications extending to indigenous communities, people with disabilities, and vulnerable youth. During the opening remarks, Director Nasier Eskak, representing Minister Bee, emphasized the necessity of collaboration in crafting policies that reflect societal diversity. The training highlighted the potential of budgetary measures to either reinforce inequality or promote equal opportunities and social justice. One experienced parliamentarian noted, ‘The gender lens reveals who benefits and who is left out, making it clear that the National Budget is not neutral.’ Practical examples and a checklist provided insights into unintended consequences of policies. Participants stressed that the gender lens encompasses all societal groups, not just women. Shiefania Jahangier, Head of the Bureau for Gender Affairs, urged attendees to integrate gender equality into economic, political, and institutional policies. This training is part of a broader initiative by Projekta to strengthen gender-responsive policymaking within the government and De Nationale Assemblée, aligning with its mission to build a human rights-based, inclusive society.

In a significant development for Suriname’s political representation on the global stage, Assembly Member Rabin Parmessar, leader of the National Democratic Party (NDP), has been elected Vice President of the Group of Latin America and the Caribbean (Grulac). The election took place on Saturday in Geneva, ahead of the 151st General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). Parmessar’s election underscores Suriname’s growing influence within the regional bloc, which coordinates parliamentary strategies and represents Latin American and Caribbean nations in international forums.

A significant portion of the American press corps has withdrawn from the Pentagon after journalists refused to comply with the Department of Defense’s new media regulations. The tightened rules prohibit journalists from publishing any information not officially pre-released by the department—even if it is not classified. Those who declined to sign the agreement lost their access passes as of October 15. Nearly all major U.S. news organizations, including CNN, ABC, The New York Times, Reuters, Associated Press, and even the typically conservative Fox News, have turned their backs on the Pentagon. Only a small minority, including some new right-wing media outlets, have formally agreed to the new terms. The rest have vacated their offices, cleared out TV studios, and surrendered their press passes. Despite the exodus, journalists emphasize that their departure does not mean an end to defense reporting. They will continue their work from editorial offices or external sources outside the Pentagon. Many reporters left the building in a symbolic procession, handing in their press passes and leaving behind empty desks. Media organizations have criticized the new rules as a ‘historically dangerous precedent,’ arguing that they bring the U.S. closer to controlled state communication. Critics warn that this makes the work of investigative journalists—who are tasked with exposing abuse of power and misconduct—nearly impossible. Trust in the transparency of the U.S. government and military accountability is under severe pressure. The Pentagon, however, maintains that the measures are necessary ‘for the safety of the troops and the national interest.’

Former Surinamese Minister of Finance and Planning, Gillmore Hoefdraad, continues to challenge his prosecution, even after the Court of Justice declared his case inadmissible. The court ruled on Friday that his prosecution was lawful, following his indictment by the National Assembly in August 2020. Hoefdraad, who fled the country, was sentenced in absentia to 12 years in prison and a fine of SRD 500,000 for his involvement in a high-profile corruption scandal at the Central Bank of Suriname. The Public Prosecutor’s Office also sought a criminal investigation to determine if Hoefdraad unlawfully benefited from his actions, though no progress has been made since his conviction. Hoefdraad’s legal advisor, Murwin Dubois, argues that international jurisprudence, particularly the principle of Ne Bis in Idem—which prohibits double jeopardy—could favor Hoefdraad. Dubois cites cases where the Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruled in favor of defendants under similar circumstances. The case has drawn international attention, especially after Interpol refused to assist in Hoefdraad’s extradition, citing political motivations behind the prosecution. Interpol’s decision highlighted procedural flaws and the lack of original legislation justifying the extradition request. Hoefdraad’s legal team now seeks international avenues to address the legality of his prosecution, as domestic courts have dismissed his appeals.