PARIS, 16 June 2026 – France has taken an important step towards addressing a painful chapter in its history, as the Senate has passed a landmark bill recognising the forced transfer of thousands of children from Réunion to mainland France between 1962 and 1984. The law implements the recommendations of Council of Europe Resolution 2533, paving the way for official recognition and compensation measures for the survivors. The vote follows years of campaigning by survivors, civil society organisations and international human rights activists.
Around eighty former Enfants dits de la Creuse gathered in the magnificent setting of the Palais du Luxembourg to await the outcome of the vote, alongside Marie-Germaine Périgogne, Director of Justice Initiative France and a survivor herself, Karine Lebon, the Member of Parliament from Réunion who introduced the bill in the National Assembly, and and Senator Viviane Malet, rapporteur of the bill in the Senate. The event opened with brief addresses by French Overseas Affairs Minister Naïma Moutchou and Senate President Gérard Larcher, who emphasised the political and symbolic significance of the day.
Justice Initiative has been one of the driving forces behind this progress. Supported by the Guido Fluri Foundation, the organisation has campaigned for justice for victims of historical abuses across Europe, playing a central role in raising awareness of the plight of former children deported from Réunion within the Council of Europe.
Speaking after the Senate vote, Guido Fluri, praised France for becoming one of the first countries to translate the Council of Europe’s recommendations into concrete legislation. “France is setting an example for Europe by ensuring justice for survivors of past abuses,” said Fluri. He emphasised that the decision represents an important milestone not only for those affected in France, but also for the wider cause of historical justice and human rights across the continent.
Following the Senate vote, Guido Fluri received a Medal of Honour from Viviane Malet, Senator for Réunion in recognition of his long-standing commitment to historical justice and his support for survivors of the transfers of children from Réunion. This distinction highlights the important contribution made by the Guido Fluri Foundation and Justice Initiative to advancing recognition and reparative measures for victims of historical abuses in Europe.
Press release in French: Click here
