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a)
the victims feel an obligation to ensure that the dignity of those killed
is vindicated through the clarification of the facts and imposition of
accountability for the violations suffered.
Furthermore, they have also
indicated that the impunity of the instant case shows the contempt of the
State toward the lives of those killed in the massacre and the suffering
experienced by the survivors;
b)
the N’djuka culture attributes a central role to justice. The survivors of
the massacre and the next of kin of those killed are obligated by N’djuka law
to seek justice so that the spirits can rest. If this is not accomplished, the
spirits may become very angry and cause great difficulties for the survivors
and next of kin;
c)
the fact that the victims have not obtained justice and reparations for
the massacre is seen as deeply shameful by other N’djuka, as it is perceived
as a failure to honor their obligations to the dead and their ancestors. Such
loss of standing within N’djuka society is a constant source of pain and
embarrassment for the victims;
2. The return of the victims
d)
following the attack and massacre, the survivors fled elsewhere within
Suriname as well as to neighboring French Guiana. The survivors who arrived
in French Guiana were placed in a refugee camp; in early 1993, some
survivors decided to return to Suriname;
e)
as provided for by agreement with France, when the victims returned
to Suriname they were placed in a temporary reception center in Moengo, at
which time the State promised to rebuild their villages and otherwise provide
for them. However, the promise was never honored, and many remain in the
reception center today;
f)
at this time, many victims are not ready to return to Moiwana
permanently, due to their traumatic and intensely painful memories of the
attack;
g)
others are afraid that the massacre could be repeated owing to the
ongoing impunity. The author of the massacre, Desire Bouterse, maintains a
prominent and powerful position in Surinamese public life: he is a Parliament
member and leader of the National Democratic Party, the largest opposition
party;
h)
some of the victims would like to return to Moiwana permanently and
others wish simply to farm but not to live there; in any event, all want to
maintain their spiritual and cultural commitments, ensuring that future
generations can return when they wish;
3. Recovering the remains of the victims who were killed in the massacre
i)
this measure involves the State’s duty to carry out an effective
investigation to ensure accountability, as well as a remedy for the moral
suffering of the survivors and next of kin, who have been unable to fulfill their