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between Article 1(2) of the ICCPR and indigenous and tribal peoples’ property rights,
and the right to self-determination, and
j)
Magda Hoever-Venoaks, expert witness proposed by the State, is an authority
on legal remedies in Surinamese administrative and constitutional law. She provided
her expert opinion regarding, inter alia: the legal status of the provisions affording
remedies to interested parties in Suriname's Mining Act and Suriname's Forest
Management Act, as well as other available remedies in Surinamese administrative
and/or constitutional law.
65.
During the public hearing held in the present case, the Court heard the testimonies
and the expert opinions given by the following persons:
a)
Head Captain Wazen Eduards, witness proposed by the Commission and the
representatives, is the Chairperson of the Association of Saramaka Authorities, the
authorized representative of the Dombi lö (clan), and a recently appointed fiscali of
the Saramaka people. He testified regarding, inter alia: the endeavors of the
Association of Saramaka Authorities to counter the alleged incursion of logging
companies in Saramaka territory, the alleged impact of these companies' operations,
and the purported failure of the Surinamese government to consult or obtain consent
from the Saramaka people prior to authorizing the concessions; the efforts of
Saramaka people to protect their rights domestically, including the process of
reaching an internal consensus; customary Saramaka law governing ownership
rights and demarcation of territory, and the importance of land for the cultural
integrity of the Saramaka people;
b)
Captain Cesar Adjako, witness proposed by the Commission and the
representatives, is a member of the Matjau lö (clan). He testified regarding, inter
alia: the reasons why Saramaka individuals must obtain concessions from the
government, the alleged arrival of foreign logging companies on Matjau territory,
their purported destruction of the forest resources and subsistence farms, and the
Saramaka people's interest in preserving their environment and the sustainable
harvesting of timber;
c)
Rudy Strijk, witness proposed by the State, is the former District
Commissioner of the Sipaliwini District. He testified regarding, inter alia: his role as
District Commissioner in granting mining and logging concessions, the government's
relationship with traditional Saramaka authorities, and the District Commissioner's
purported consultations with the Saramaka people prior to awarding concessions;
d)
Head Captain Albert Aboikoni, witness proposed by the State, was the acting
Gaa'man following Gaa'man Songo Aboikoni’s passing. He testified regarding his
experience as a parliamentarian in the Surinamese government and his efforts to
advance land rights of indigenous and tribal peoples in Suriname, the role of the
Gaa'man and his relationship with the community and other traditional authorities,
and the areas in which Saramaka people reside;
e)
Rene Ali Somopawiro, witness proposed by the State, is the acting director of
the Foundation for Forest Management and Production Control (SBB). He testified
regarding, inter alia: the role of the SBB in processing applications for timber
concessions, monitoring such concessions and promoting sustainable forestry; the
difference between “timber logging permits” and “communal forests” as well as their
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