**Association of Indigenous Village Chiefs Opposes Draft Protection Law in Suriname**
*Paramaribo, Suriname* – The Vereniging van Inheemse Dorpshoofden in Suriname (VIDS), an organization representing indigenous village chiefs, has formally requested that the Surinamese government refrain from promulgating the proposed *Wet Bescherming Woon- en Leefgebieden* (Protection of Residential and Living Areas Act).
According to a statement released by VIDS, the draft legislation does not provide adequate safeguards for the traditional territories and collective rights of indigenous communities. The group argues that the current provisions fall short of ensuring the long‑term preservation of indigenous lands and ways of life.
On Monday, VIDS submitted a set of resolutions concerning the draft law to the Cabinet of Ministers. The resolutions call for a comprehensive revision of the legislation to better reflect the needs and rights of indigenous peoples, including stronger protections for customary land use, cultural practices, and community governance.
The organization has not indicated whether it will pursue further legal or political actions should the government proceed with the law in its present form. No response from the Ministry of Justice and Police or other government officials has been reported at this time.
Article source: dwtonline.com | Image credit: de Ware Tijd
