Paramaribo, November 03, 2023 - On 24 and 31 October 2023, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Government of Suriname organized a hybrid diaspora consultation at the Mariott Hotel with former and current members of the Suriname diaspora and government stakeholders.  

Its objective was to examine and provide feedback on the draft "Diaspora Engagement Policy of Suriname and five-year action plan".  Suriname's first Diaspora Engagement Policy is aimed at shaping the involvement of the Suriname diaspora in the future and translating this into tangible benefits for the country. 

The discussions focused mainly on 'What Suriname would like to achieve and expect from the diaspora'; several ideas were proposed. Nashia Hassankhan, representative of the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture also noted the need to be realistic, "We need to stay with reality also when it comes to the expectations we have, because the new generation in the Netherlands does not necessarily know Suriname”.  She also explained that “the laws of Suriname clearly define diaspora as the 2nd and 3rd generation outside Suriname”. Surinamese are all over the world, and it is important that the government engages them.  

Reon Daparoe, designated Deputy Director of the Cabinet of the Vice President of the Republic of Suriname, emphasized that the initial diaspora strategy should also include children who are born in French Guiana to mothers of maroon heritage from Suriname, who reside in the border communities. He noted that the visit of African diaspora during the observance of Maroon Day on 10 October 2023 demonstrated that there is mutual interest in building ties. 

On 27 October 2023, a Steering Committee was established to further consider this first Diaspora Engagement Policy of Suriname and the 5-year action plan, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business & International Cooperation as the focal point. In addition to this steering group, a coordination unit will be established to help realize the policy, and thematic working groups that will discuss, address and provide feedback to the other committees on various issues within the diaspora. 

The Government of Suriname is seeking to involve diaspora communities in various ways, and in close collaboration with the private sector, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and civil society. IOM Suriname will continue to provide its support to the National Diaspora Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business & International Cooperations, to engage with the diaspora as one essential demographic to be facilitated through the national migration policy of the Government of Suriname.   

For more information please contact: IOM Suriname Programme Coordinator: Jan-Willem Wegdam, jwegdam@iom.int +597-885 9232