Macron under pressure over reparatory justice for France’s role in slave trade
Summary
French President Emmanuel Macron is facing calls to start talks on reparatory justice for France’s role in the slave trade. France was the third largest transporter of enslaved Africans and is now being urged to address the ongoing effects of slavery and racism in its society.Key Facts
- France was the first country to recognize the slave trade and slavery as crimes against humanity in 2001.
- Macron will mark the 25th anniversary of this recognition with a speech.
- France abstained from a UN vote that called the transatlantic slave trade the “gravest crime against humanity” and asked for reparations.
- France was responsible for enslaving about 13% of the estimated 13 to 17 million Africans taken across the Atlantic.
- Some French politicians and activists say Macron should start formal discussions on reparations and reparatory justice.
- A descendant of slave traders has publicly apologized for his family’s role in slavery.
- Regions still part of France, like Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Réunion, face ongoing inequalities linked to the history of enslavement.
- France’s Foundation for the Remembrance of Slavery has asked Macron to lead dialogue on repairing racism and inequality caused by slavery.
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