Our forest is vanishing. Our rivers are poisoned. Our rights are being ignored. 

WHY THIS MATTERS

For over 250 years, the Saamaka —Afro-descendant Tribal Peoples of Suriname— have protected nearly 1.4 million hectares of the Amazon rainforest. Our identity, livelihoods, and spirituality are deeply tied to these forests and rivers. This land is not only our home, but a vital part of the Amazon ecosystem—crucial for: 

• Biodiversity: Home to countless species of fauna and flora.
• Water and Oxygen: Safeguarding clean air and water for all.
• Climate Stability: Regulating carbon, oxygen, and rainfall patterns globally. 

But today, unsustainable logging and mining, enabled by government policies, threaten both our rights and forests.  

Our struggle is the world’s struggle. Protecting the rights of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples (ITP) like the Saamaka protects the Amazon—benefiting all life on Earth. 

 

 

 

 

Photo Credits: Riano Gunther/ILC 

WHAT'S HAPPENING

1. Systematic Rights Violations 

Suriname refuses to recognize Indigenous and Tribal Peoples’ Collective Rights by not ratifying ILO Convention No. 169—showing clear disregard for our communities.  

Due to this, the Saamaka and other communities' rights have been trampled for decades. 

• 32% of Saamaka territory (447,000 hectares) has been taken for logging and mining.
• Over 60,000 hectares of Saamaka forest have been degraded—an area the size of Singapore.
• An additional 100,000 hectares surrounding our land have been deforested, harming our livelihoods. 

 

 

 

 

Photo Credits: Bram Ebus 

In 2007 and 2015, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR) ruled in our and the Kaliña and Lokono Peoples’ favor, ordering Suriname to:

• Stop mining and logging in our territories
• Recognize and demarcate our land
• Uphold our collective ownership rights 

Yet, 17 years later, Suriname has failed to comply. Shockingly, 77% of the negative impacts occurred after the ruling.

2. Palmeras Road: A New Threat

In 2023, Suriname granted the Palmeras N.V. logging company a concession, allowing a 123 km illegal logging road through Saamaka land—despite community opposition. The road: 

• Opens the door to increased mining, logging, and poaching.
• Went from 56km long by the end of 2023 to a total of 123km by the end of September 2024.
• Destroyed 793 hectares of forest by June 2024—quadrupling Saamaka forest loss since 2007.  

 

 

 

 

Photo Credits: Bram Ebus

3. Illegal Mining, Water Pollution and Contamination with Toxic Chemicals

Additionally, illegal mining operations are contaminating Saamaka waters with toxic chemicals like mercury, further threatening our health, food security, and the entire forest ecosystem. 

 

 

 

 

Photo Credits: Bram Ebus 
  
WHAT WE DEMAND  

We call on President Chan Santokhi and OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin, as well as the national and international community to:

• Legally recognize the Collective Rights of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples, upholding international standards and complying with the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR) rulings.
• Immediately halt all roadwork, logging, and mining in Saamaka and other Indigenous territories.
• Conduct proper consultation and a Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) process for any projects and concessions within our territory. 

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

#StandWithSaamakaPeople, sign this petition and amplify our call.
  
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

Download & Share

Social Media Content

Follow

@SaamakaOto- @RightsResources - @LandCoaliton - @LandRightsNow - @AmazonConservationTeam

Access & Read

Blog - Saamaka Toko: A battle for the land rights of Suriname’s Saamaka people ​ 

Blog - The Unresolved Fight For Indigenous Land Rights In Suriname: UPDATE​

Data Report - Suriname: Greenest country in the world?  ​

Data Report Update – Protests and Evidence Ignored​

Campaign Website – Protect the Saamaka Land and Forest  

Watch

Documentary - Stand with the Saamakans