The United States is urging Suriname to join 21 countries in the region that are supportive of the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration, according to a US spokeswoman.
Launched at the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, California in June 2022, the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection aims to mobilize the entire region for bold action on migration issues in the region.
“We know that not all migrants enter the United States and other countries through regular routes, so we see visa requirements as an important step in addressing irregular migration,” the US embassy spokeswoman told the de Ware Tijd newspaper.
Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation Minister, Albert Ramdin acknowledged that the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country had been unable to sign the declaration in June last year noting that the Chandrikapersad “Chan” Santokhi government first wanted to study the accord carefully and make a proper evaluation.
He said this has now been done and Suriname will also support the declaration and the objectives contained therein.
The US embassy official said Washington supports safe, orderly and humane migration through reciprocal and multilateral diplomacy and targeted capacity-building programmes. These include regular labor migration pathways that promote paid work and access to formal labor markets and ensure migrant worker protection during the recruitment and employment process.
The US also remains vigilant for human trafficking and smuggling and possible terrorist threats, both in the region and around the world.
“It is important to screen migrants to determine if they could be victims of trafficking and to support victims of trafficking. We are working with our partners to deter terrorist threats and ensure the security of the United States,” the US embassy official said.
Last week, Suriname announced that it will reintroduce visa requirements for 21 countries from May 1 after an evaluation showed that citizens of those countries have widely abused the visa-free regime.
To address migration concerns and potential criminal or terrorist threats, the US Embassy said it is working closely with Suriname on a range of programs to improve security, share information and humanely manage migration, along with regional partners such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), CARICOM and the Security Initiative for the Caribbean Basin.
Last month, the US embassy in Guyana warned of a security threat against US interests in that country and the US spokeswoman said security here remains a high priority.
“The US State Department has no higher priority than the safety and security of US citizens travelling and living abroad. US embassies periodically publish information on the security environment and travel guidelines to inform US citizens. There has been no recent adjustment in such information and advice with regard to Suriname,” said the spokeswoman.
CMC/
