During the military period of government, as from 1980, there was an increased demand for assistance against human rights violations. The institutionalization of Moiwana'86 (M86) was the consequence of this unfortunate development and steady increase of cases of gross and systematic human rights violations. M86 considered it its main duty to press for the protection against violation of human rights and to prevent further deterioration.
 
 

Q What is the working method of Moiwana'86?

1. Moiwana'86 stresses its commitment to assist the government and cooperate non-governmental organization in the implementation (planning, public information and mobilization of public support) of a coherent and effective national human rights policy.
2. M86 is also committed to assist alleged victims to have cases addressed by the authorities (investigation, persecution and compensation and reparation).
3. Whenever necessary M86 do take its cases to the public, the international human rights community and even to the national court and international human rights court. The organization also provides assistance in the preparation of affidavits.

Q What are the points of departure for the work of Moiwana'86?

a. The human rights account

Consisting of alleged human rights violations as from the 80’s awaiting investigation, prosecution and compensation. This human rights account still exist in spite urgent requests of the national and international community

b. The breeding ground for human rights violations.

This field of action is the result of inadequate functioning of the government.

c. The position of minority groups like Indigenous and Maroon peoples.

Activities of multinationals in the timber and mining sector pose a serious threat to the human rights of these peoples. The government policy is however responsible for the violation of the land rights of these peoples in Suriname.

d. The social, economic and cultural rights.

The rapid deterioration of the social-economic situation in Suriname lead to the worsening of the livelihood of the civilians and widespread poverty.
 
 

Q What does Moiwana'86 do to prevent human rights violations?

a. M86 petitions the government;

b. M86 issues press releases, articles, reports and a newsletter on the human rights situation in Suriname;

c. M86 submits request to international human rights institutions to assist in the protection and to cure human rights violations;

d. M86 also seek expert advice from international organizations and personalities in the field in order to better protect human rights.

e. M86 undertakes (legal) actions e.g. demanding the government to investigate alleged human rights violations, to prosecute perpetrators and to compensate victims;

f. The organization took its cases to the public, the international human rights community and international human rights court.
 

Q How does Moiwana'86 collect data and information?

The organization collects information by:

a. intakes at the office. Complaints of alleged victims are registered for further investigation and (juridical) action.

b. investigations on the spot. Moiwana'86 visits, whenever possible, sites to further investigate cases of alleged violations. Such investigation includes interviews with alleged victims and other witnesses.