The Republic of Suriname is a democratic republic whose President is elected for a 5-year term with parliament serving as an electoral college. The 51 members of the National Assembly are elected for 5 years by proportional representation. Coalition governments result from the large number of political parties. In 2005 the New Front Plus government, a coalition of 9 parties, was elected, and the incumbent was re-elected as President. The election, held on the basis of universal suffrage, was deemed free and fair.

There are 13 women in the 51-seat National Assembly and 2 women in Cabinet. 3 political parties that represent the Maroon peoples (descendants of escaped African slaves) formed a coalition and participated in the election along with a party representing Amerindians. 8 Maroon representatives and 1 Amerindian were elected to the National Assembly. The Maroon coalition is part of the governing coalition, and 3 Maroon representatives are in the Cabinet. The judiciary is independent in law, but disputes over the appointment of judges are reported to have undermined its credibility.

Discrimination on the basis of race, gender and ethnicity is reported. Police are accused of mistreatment of detainees.

Freedom of speech and of the press are guaranteed, but some journalists are reported to practise self-censorship as a result of intimidation by government officials and community leaders who want to end negative publicity. Journalists spoke out about a court decision that required the newspaper with the largest circulation to publish an apology for a story that had appeared in another publication. The newspaper has appealed the decision. Access to the Internet is not restricted.

Suriname is a source, transit and destination country for trafficking. No specific legislation prohibits trafficking, but there are laws that ban white slavery, and there is an Anti-trafficking Police Unit. Trafficking for sexual exploitation is a problem. Trafficking for prostitution reportedly involves underage Hindustani and Maroon girls, as well as Javanese and Hindustani boys.

Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is prohibited, but homosexuals report discrimination in employment. Social discrimination against persons who are HIV/AIDS-positive is cited, and health professionals are reported to be reluctant to treat infected persons. A National Strategic Plan for HIV/AIDS and an interagency working group are trying to reduce the stigma. The ILO and trade unions have conducted training on HIV/AIDS.

Education is compulsory until age 11 and is tuition-free through university. Most schools charge an enrolment fee to cover costs, and parents are faced with additional costs for school materials. School-age children in the interior do not always have access to education, as a result of a lack of facilities, transportation and teachers. School is attended by about 85% of urban children but only 50% of interior children.

Children face pressure to end their education and seek employment, particularly in the interior where child labour is widespread. Following the arrest of an elementary school principal accused of molesting primary school boys aged 6 to 12, newspapers alleged sexual abuse of children in schools and in orphanages as well as in a privately funded shelter for sexually abused children.

A 2-year programme begins at age 4. At this level 46% of education is private. The Net Enrolment Rate (NER) is 90%. The pupil/teacher ratio (PTR) is 24 : 1.

Education is compulsory for ages 6 to 11. Primary school begins at age 6 and continues for 6 years. At this level 49% of education is private. The NER is 92% (48% female). 3,324 teachers (85% female) work at this level. The PTR is 19 : 1.

Secondary education begins at age 12 and is completed in 6 years. At this level 21% of education is private. 39% of students in lower secondary and 56% in upper secondary education study in technical vocational programmes. The NER is 63% (53% of boys, 74% of girls). There are 2,714 secondary teachers, 1,936 (61% female) in lower secondary and 778 (61% female) in upper secondary schools. The PTR is 15 : 1 in lower secondary and 14 : 1 in upper secondary schools.

5,186 students (62% female) study in tertiary institutions, for a Gross Enrolment Rate of 12%. 1,180 students study abroad, mainly in the Netherlands (952), USA (126), Cuba (25) and Belgium (15).

Discrimination against persons with disabilities in education or in other state services is not prohibited in law. Some training programmes for the blind and for minors with other forms of disabilities are provided. NGOs help provide services for disabled children, including education. Within the adult prison there is a juvenile detention area for children aged 10 to 18 which includes education and recreation facilities.

The law does not provide for the granting of asylum or refugee status in accordance with the 1951 UN Convention relating to the Status of Refugees or its 1967 Protocol, and the government has not established a system for providing protection to refugees. The government cooperates with the office of the UNHCR in assisting refugees and asylum-seekers. The President announced in late 2006 that the Surinamese government, with assistance of the international community, is prepared to accommodate Guyanese nationals fleeing possible violence in connection with the elections.

Amerindians constitute about 3% of the population, while Maroon peoples make up 15%. Their ability to participate in decisions affecting their lands and traditions is limited since politics and education opportunities are centred in and around the capital where few live of Maroon and Amerindian descent. Illegal, uncontrolled logging and mining take place on their lands. Discrimination against indigenous Amerindians and Maroons is reported. Education facilities are reported to be sparse and spartan in the interior where indigenous people live. A shortage of teachers in rural areas further limits opportunities for education.

Reports do not cite restrictions or violations of academic freedom.

The law does not prohibit gender discrimination, but it provides for equal access to education, employment and property rights for women. Women in rural areas do not fully enjoy the rights they have with respect to marriage and inheritance. Early marriage interferes with educational opportunities for girls. Property inherited by women tends to be transferred to men in accordance with tradition. Economic discrimination is noted in employment and in rates of pay for work of equal value. More than 60% of women work in traditionally female jobs.

Violence against women is reported as a common problem that is not being addressed. The law prohibits sexual exploitation but examples of exploitation are reported.

The minimum age for employment is 14, and minors are not to work at night. However, children under 14 can work in a family or vocational setting or for educational purposes. Children under 18 are prohibited from hazardous work. The hours of work for young people are not less than those of the regular work force. Child labour legislation is rarely enforced, and child labour is a problem, particularly in the informal sector.

In 2002, the Institute for Training and Research found that 50% of children aged 4 to 14 were economically active. There are reports of sexual exploitation of children and teenagers. Labour inspectors conduct inspections only in the formal sector, whereas children are mostly employed in the informal sector. The police patrol the informal sector. They have raided child labour locations in the capital as well as nightclubs, casinos and brothels. Forced or compulsory labour is illegal, but child prostitution continues.

Workers have the right to form and join trade unions. About 60% of the work force is unionised, with members belonging to one of the 6 major federations. Collective bargaining is permitted, and over 50% of workers are covered by collective contracts. The right to strike is guaranteed in both public and private sectors. In cooperation with the ILO, unions conduct campaigns to eliminate the worst forms of child labour; the Suriname Labour College provides trade union education. There is no minimum wage. Government employees account for 50% of the work force.

Salary levels are such that they supplement their income with second or third jobs in the informal sector. The work week is in excess of 45 hours.