Suriname is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention), nor are there any bilateral agreements in force between Suriname and the United States concerning international parental child abduction.

Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country.  Parental abduction is a crime in Suriname.  The Government of Suriname does not maintain a website specifically regarding custody, family law and visitation.  Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Suriname and who can provide legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances.

The Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, Directorate for Overseas Citizens Services, Office of Children’s Issues provides assistance in cases of international parental child abduction.  For U.S. citizen parents whose children have been wrongfully removed to or retained in countries that are not U.S. partners under the Hague Abduction Convention, the Office of Children’s Issues can provide information and resources about country-specific options for pursuing the return of or access to an abducted child.  The Office of Children’s Issues may also coordinate with appropriate foreign and U.S. government authorities about the welfare of abducted U.S. citizen children.  Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the Department of State for assistance.

Contact information:

U.S. Department of State

Bureau of Consular Affairs

Office of Children’s Issues

CA/OCS/CI

SA-17, 9th Floor

Washington, DC 20522-1709

Telephone:  1-888-407-4747

Outside the United States or Canada: 1-202-501-4444

Fax: 202-485-6221

Website:  travel.state.gov

Email: AskCI@state.gov