August 1, 2026
In an opinion piece published in Le Monde on May 21, 2026, historian Ana Lucia Araujo invites France to commit more deeply to the path of reparative justice. She calls for moving beyond symbolic commemorations to adopt concrete measures related to transatlantic slavery.
The debate has been reignited following the UN’s adoption on March 25, 2026, of a resolution describing slavery as the “gravest crime against humanity.” France’s vote—abstention—has drawn criticism from certain elected officials and activists.
Paris is accused of lacking the political will to go beyond speeches, notably by representatives from overseas territories. This stance revives tensions surrounding the recognition and reparations related to the slave trade.
On the eve of the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Taubira law at the Élysée Palace, this call reignites the question of educational, cultural, economic, and political reparations. The stated goal is to fully recognize France’s historical role and address its lasting consequences.
