France overturns law classing people as property – 178 years after it abolished slavery
France's National Assembly has unanimously voted to repeal the Code Noir, a colonial-era law that allowed enslaved individuals to be treated as property, marking a significant step in addressing historical injustices nearly 180 years after the abolition of slavery in the country.
WPN Brief
- What Happened
France's National Assembly has unanimously voted to repeal the Code Noir, a colonial-era law that allowed enslaved individuals to be treated as property, marking a significant step in addressing historical injustices nearly 180 years after the abolition of slavery in the country.
- Why It Matters
This repeal is seen as a crucial acknowledgment of the atrocities committed under the Code Noir, which permitted severe mistreatment of enslaved people, and reflects a growing political consensus on the need to confront France's colonial past.
- The Bigger Picture
The decision aligns with broader discussions on reparations and the need for France to address its historical role in the slave trade, as highlighted by recent initiatives and public discourse surrounding reparatory justice and the legacy of slavery in French society.