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

Paris – 17.06.2026: The French Parliament has passed a law providing financial compensation for the “Children of La Réunion” who were relocated from the island to mainland France between 1962 and 1984. This measure aims to acknowledge the historical injustices of this practice and offer restitution to the affected individuals.

Between 1962 and 1984, more than 2,000 children were brought from La Réunion to France to be placed in various regions, particularly rural areas. This policy was officially carried out with the goal of reducing the population density on the island and strengthening rural regions in France. However, it resulted in significant personal and cultural losses for the children involved.

The newly passed legislation includes several key measures. First, a commission for remembrance will be established to document the history of this practice and raise awareness about the injustices suffered. Additionally, February 18th will be designated as a national day of remembrance and honor for the “Children of La Réunion.” Another important part of the law is the introduction of financial compensation in the form of a one-time payment to the affected individuals or their descendants.

Deputy Karine Lebon, who initiated the law, emphasized the importance of this recognition: “We do not have the power to give them back their childhood, but we have the power to confront history.” This statement underlines the symbolic value of the compensation and the state’s responsibility to confront its past.

The adoption of this law represents a significant step in addressing France’s history. It demonstrates an effort to acknowledge historical injustices and offer a form of restitution to the affected individuals. The implementation of the financial compensation is now being prepared by the responsible authorities, with precise details regarding the procedures and extent of the payments yet to be determined.

This development is seen by many as long overdue and could serve as a precedent for the recognition and compensation of other historical injustices. It sends a strong signal about the French government’s willingness to take responsibility for past wrongs and pave the way for a reconciliatory future.

The “Children of La Réunion” now have the opportunity to receive official recognition of their suffering and claim financial compensation. It remains to be seen how the implementation of this law will proceed in practice and what further steps will be taken to ensure full restitution for those affected.

Overall, this law marks an important moment in French history and society by emphasizing the need to confront the past and pave the way for healing and reconciliation.