France Passes Law to Compensate the "Children of La Réunion"

Paris – 17.06.2026: The French Parliament has passed a law providing compensation for the “Children of La Réunion,” who were relocated from the island to various French regions between 1962 and 1984. These children were moved to mainland France as part of a state-organized resettlement policy aimed at populating rural areas and providing labor. However, many of these children were separated from their families and experienced abuse as well as cultural alienation.

The legislative initiative was advanced by Deputy Karine Lebon (GDR) and aims to acknowledge the state’s responsibility and offer financial compensation to the affected individuals. Additionally, a commission for the remembrance of the former minor resettlers from La Réunion is to be established, tasked with developing recommendations for addressing this historical issue. Another component of the law introduces a national day of remembrance on February 18 to honor the victims.

The bill was unanimously adopted by the National Assembly on January 28, 2026. It explicitly recognizes the state’s responsibility and introduces the official designation “transplanted minors from La Réunion” to emphasize the national dimension of the resettlement policy. Previously, the term “Children of the Creuse” was used, which did not fully reflect the scale of the relocation.

The financial compensation will be provided as a lump sum, paid out through a fund established by the state. This amount is intended to cover all types of suffered damages. The precise procedures for applying for and receiving the compensation will be defined by a decree issued after consultations with the established commission.

The creation of the commission for remembrance aims to advance the processing of this history and to promote reconciliation among the former resettlers, their descendants, involved associations, local authorities, and the state. Furthermore, a memorial center with cultural, educational, and scientific functions is to be established in the Creuse region.

The introduction of the national day of remembrance on February 18 is intended to raise awareness of this history and provide recognition to the victims. This day will henceforth be observed in schools and public institutions to keep the memory of the “transplanted minors from La Réunion” alive.

This legislative initiative represents an important step in France’s reckoning with its past and aims to deliver justice and recognition to the affected individuals. It follows similar reparation laws for other groups, such as the Harkis in 2022 and the repatriates from North Africa in 2005.

The implementation of this law will now be propelled by the responsible ministries and the newly established commission to ensure that the envisaged measures are effectively and fairly executed.