On January 28, 2026, the National Assembly unanimously adopted a bill to recognize and repair the harms suffered by over 2,000 Reunionese minors forcibly relocated to mainland France between 1962 and 1984. These children were separated from their families to repopulate rural areas. A Senate vote is still required for final adoption.
Between 1962 and 1984, around 2,015 children from Réunion, ranging from infants to adolescents, were relocated to mainland France as part of a policy to counter rural depopulation. One-third of these minors were sent to the Creuse department, earning them the nickname 'Creuse children,' while the others were distributed across about 60 departments.
This practice separated the children from their parents and siblings, placing them in often unwelcoming rural settings. Marie-Germaine Périgonne, relocated at age 3 and president of the Federation of Uprooted Children from Overseas Departments and Regions, has shared accounts of the hardships these children faced, highlighting growing acknowledgment of the state's role in their forced exile.
On January 28, 2026, the National Assembly unanimously passed a bill to formalize this recognition and enable reparations for the harms suffered. Although some exiles have already sought redress from the state, this legislative step marks a significant milestone. The bill now awaits a Senate vote for final approval, which could lead to compensations and support for the victims.
