France enacts compensation law for 'La Réunion children'

Paris – June 17, 2026: The French Parliament has passed a law providing compensation for the ‘Reunion Children’ who were relocated from Réunion Island to various regions in mainland France between 1962 and 1984. These children were moved according to a government-organized migration policy. The purpose was to settle rural areas and provide labor. However, many children were separated from their families and experienced abuse and cultural alienation.

The bill was promoted by Member of Parliament Karin Lebon (GDR) and aims to recognize the responsibility of the state and provide financial compensation to the victims. It also plans to establish a committee to honor the memory of minors who migrated from Réunion Island and to prepare recommendations for historical investigation. Another provision of the bill includes the introduction of a national day of remembrance on February 18 to honor the victims.

The bill was passed unanimously by the National Assembly on January 28, 2026. The law clearly acknowledges the responsibility of the state and names the official term “Minors Transplanted from Réunion” to highlight the national dimension of the migration policy. Previously, the term “Children of Creuse,” which did not sufficiently reflect the scale of the migration, had been used.

Financial compensation will be paid in a lump sum through a fund established by the state and will cover all types of damages. Specific procedures for applying for and granting compensation will be defined by a decree issued after consultation with the established committee.

The establishment of the memory committee aims to promote revisiting history and foster reconciliation among former migrants and their descendants, related organizations, local authorities, and the state. Additionally, a commemorative site with cultural, educational, and academic significance will be created in the Creuse region.

The introduction of the national day of remembrance on February 18 will help raise awareness of this history and strengthen commemorations honoring the victims. Going forward, this day will be observed in schools and public institutions with events remembering the “Minors Transplanted from Réunion.”

This bill represents an important advancement in addressing France’s historical reckoning and aims to provide justice and recognition to the victims. It follows similar measures such as the 2022 compensation law for the Harki people and the 2005 compensation law for North African repatriates.

The implementation of this law will be driven by relevant ministries and the newly established committee to ensure the scheduled measures are carried out effectively and fairly.