On 14 October 2025, the representatives of the Indigenous communities and its umbrella organization Association of Indigenous Village Leaders in Suriname (VIDS) held a historic ceremony at the National Parliament of Suriname and presented the updated Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) protocol to the President, Ms. Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, and the Speaker of the Parliament Mr. Michael A. Adhin. The event was witnessed by various Government institutions, NGOs, international organization and the diplomatic community. The FPIC protocol is a comprehensive set of guidelines to facilitate the engagement with the indigenous communities in Suriname. Speaking at the ceremony, President Simons expressed her appreciation for the creation of the document, which provides guidance on how the rights of Indigenous peoples can be further anchored in policy and legislation. “This protocol clarifies what Indigenous peoples think and want, in combination with what has already been established internationally. It is an important fundamental right and a recognition of Indigenous peoples as the first inhabitants of Suriname,” emphasized the Head of State. She further stressed that the document serves as a starting point for further steps, including the demarcation of territories, the recognition of collective rights, and the creation of opportunities for sustainable development. “We want to consider this the beginning of an effective process that will not take much longer to achieve the recognition of Indigenous peoples in our constitution. This will mean progress for all of Suriname,” said President Simons.

Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Adhin, called the protocol an important precursor for the further development of land rights and legislation. “It is important that Indigenous peoples are consulted before activities take place in their territories. The protocol provides clarity on how to engage with these communities.” He also stated that the government and parliament will work over the next three years on the recognition, protection, and legal anchoring of environmental management and land rights. “The VIDS has done excellent work by organizing themselves and formulating joint positions. That makes the process more efficient for the government and parliament,” added the Speaker of Parliament.

“Today we are writing history together. This protocol is not just paper, but a manifesto of respect, justice, and partnership. It is born from our communities, nourished by our traditions, and inspired by our ancestors,” said VIDS Chairperson Muriël Fernandes. According to her, the document is the result of years of consultations in the villages of the Wayana, Kaliña, and Lokono, and other Indigenous peoples spread across Suriname.

According to the VIDS Chairperson, no one should make decisions about Indigenous territories without the free, prior, and informed consent of the affected communities.

Among the invited guest was the expert, Jennifer Corpuz, representing the indigenous community from Philippines who also serves as a member of the UN Permanent Forum on the Indigenous Issues, which is an advisory group to the United Nations Economic and Social Council ECOSOC. She praised the commitment of the Government and the indigenous communities towards a cooperation based on respect, recognition, and mutual support.

Minister of Forestry and Land Policy, Stanley Soeropawiro, highlighted the importance of the FPIC protocol and noted its importance in the projects that the Ministry implements, including the Amazon Sustainable Landscapes project, implemented with the support of UNDP Suriname and other international partners such as the World Bank, and the Global Environmental Facility (GEF).

The indigenous community representatives presented the application of the FPIC protocol through an engaging and artful play depicting a fictitious interaction between a foreign investor with the indigenous community member and highlighted the important considerations to guide a mutually respectful and beneficial cooperation with the indigenous communities across Suriname. 

The event was supported by the UNDP Suriname within the framework of the ASL2 project and falls within the broader objective of leaving no one behind in advancing sustainable development agenda in Suriname.