Samunda Jabini’s Fight for Environmental and Human Rights in Suriname

Written By: Stefanie S. Lauchman

Suriname is a country rich in natural beauty, home to 92.6%  rainforests, diverse ecosystems, and fresh water sources. Its rainforest is home to Indigenous and Maroon communities. Yet, for all its natural wealth, Suriname is also a nation grappling with serious environmental challenges—particularly in terms of climate justice and human rights. In recent years, these issues have come to the forefront, with activists like Samunda Jabini using their platform to push for recognition and change. Samunda, a Community Engagement Consultant at the Association of Saamaka Traditional Authorities (Vereniging van Saamaka Gezagsdragers, VSG), has become a prominent voice in Suriname’s fight for the rights of its Indigenous and Maroon peoples, particularly in the face of climate change, land disputes, and exploitation of natural resources.

A Call for Action: Empowering Local Communities

For Samunda, the fight for human rights and environmental justice is personal. As a Saamaka woman, part of the Maroon peoples, she has long understood the importance of the land and the deep connection her people have with it. Her activism is rooted in this deep respect for the environment, and it began in earnest when she joined VSG in 2022. Since then, Samunda has dedicated herself to mobilizing local youth and women, empowering them to take a stand for their rights and to advocate for the protection of their land, which is being increasingly encroached upon.  

“When I started this work in 2022, I felt the critical need to involve especially young people, and women, in the conversation,”

Samunda shared during a recent interview.

“These communities are directly affected by what happens to our land, and we need to ensure they’re not just passive bystanders but active participants in the fight for their rights.”

Her approach has been to build a community-driven movement within the organization. Through education, awareness campaigns, and constant engagement, she has helped to galvanize people and draw attention to issues such as land rights, climate change, and environmental degradation.

Samunda facilitating ‘Tjubi di matu’ workshop (Workshop on reviving Saamaka knowledge on forest and biodiversity preservation)Photo credit: Natali Waal (VSG)

“In the past, the focus has been on issues like deforestation and mining, but it’s more than just that. It’s about the health of our people, the survival of our culture, and the future ohe land,” she added.

Indigenous and Maroon Rights: A Struggle for Recognition

A major issue for Indigenous and Maroon communities in Suriname is the lack of legal recognition of their collective land rights. Despite their long history of managing and maintaining vast areas of forest sustainably, the government has not granted legal recognition of their rights to these lands. Suriname remains the only country in South America that has not recognized collective land rights for Indigenous and Maroon peoples, despite rulings from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights urging the government to do so.

This long standing lack of legal protection leaves Indigenous and Maroon communities vulnerable to exploitation, including mining companies and large-scale agricultural projects that encroach on their territories.

“We’ve been living here for generations,” Samunda explained. Our ancestors have always cared for this land, yet we’re still fighting for the recognition of our rights to it.”

These pictures showcase the Saamaka people protesting uncontrolled logging activities in our territory. Photo credit: Riano Gunther & ILC

This battle for land is not a new one, but it is growing more urgent as outside pressures—such as logging, gold mining, and deforestation—become more intense. Samunda points out that these industries have historically ignored the rights of Indigenous and Maroon peoples and have often been complicit in harming the environment, which local communities rely on for their livelihood. The lack of protection means that communities like the Saamaka are at the mercy of political decisions made far away from their homes, leaving them vulnerable to land grabs and environmental destruction.

“Our position is getting weaker by the day,” Samunda says. “If we don’t have the legal backing to protect our land, how can we protect our people?”

A Regional Approach: Building Solidarity

While Samunda's activism is grounded in the local issues facing her community, she also recognizes the importance of regional collaboration. She believes that the struggles of Indigenous and Maroon peoples in Suriname are not isolated but are part of a broader fight that spans the entire region. Through her work with VSG, Samunda has worked to build stronger links between Indigenous communities in Suriname, Colombia, and Bolivia, recognizing the need for solidarity and shared knowledge in the face of similar challenges.

“We are all in this together,” Samunda states. “Our struggles are the same. Whether it's land rights, climate change, or access to education, we share these challenges. That’s why it’s important for us to come together and support each other.”

Through Tropenbos Suriname, where she served as a gender and youth engagement consultant, Samunda helped to facilitate exchanges between Indigenous & Maroon youth from these countries, fostering a sense of unity and collective strength. By sharing experiences, strategies, and resources, these communities can amplify their voices and advocate for their rights more effectively. Her vision is for a united front, one that transcends national borders and brings together Indigenous and tribal peoples across the region to fight for common goals.

“We’re stronger together,” Samunda says. “When we combine our efforts, we can have a bigger impact and bring more attention to the issues we face.”

Raising Awareness: Protecting the Environment

Samunda's efforts to raise awareness about the crucial role of Indigenous peoples in environmental conservation go beyond local borders, as she works to elevate the issues of Suriname’s forests and communities on the international stage.

“Suriname has vast, untouched forests, but it’s not just about how much forest we have—it’s about how much is being destroyed,” Samunda explains. “The world doesn’t often see the full picture. They see the forest, but they don’t see the people who have kept it standing for centuries.”

Samunda’s commitment to bringing visibility to these issues has made her an advocate not just in Suriname, but also on the global stage. She has used social media and international forums to share the stories of her community and the environmental threats they face.

“It’s important for the world to understand that the destruction of our land isn’t just a local issue—it’s a global one. We have to be heard,” she says passionately."

The Path Forward: The Importance of International Support

While Samunda’s work is rooted in her community and region, she understands that the path to lasting change will require international support.

“We need to be heard on international platforms, she asserts. When we fight for our rights, we’re not just fighting for our community—we’re fighting for the environment and for the future of the planet.”

Without formal recognition of their rights, these communities are left vulnerable to exploitation. Samunda points out that international treaties, such as the Escazú Agreement—which aims to ensure public access to environmental information, justice, and protection for environmental defenders—could provide much-needed support to strengthen the legal positions of Indigenous peoples. She believes that signing and ratifying such agreements would send a strong message to the international community that Suriname is committed to protecting both its people and its environment.