Code Noir

French parliament inches towards symbolic repeal of 'Code noir' slavery legislation

France abolished enslaving humans more than 170 years ago and in 2001 recognised slavery and the slave trade as "crimes against humanity."

French slavery law repealed: 'Now we can start talking about reparations,' historian says

Now that France has finally repealed the so-called Code Noir or Black Code, experts are urging the country to also consider the issue of reparations. The Code Noir was the law that effectively regulated slavery by making people like property, notably in the French colonies – enabling people to be worked, beaten, sold, raped and even killed. It was only repealed last week, even though France abolished slavery back in 1848.

France moves to symbolically repeal slavery legislation

Members of the lower house of the French parliament unanimously voted to abolish a series of royal edicts known as the "Code noir" or Black Code. The bill stops short of some lawmakers' demands like possible reparations.

France is starting to own its role in the slave trade. Now it needs to repair its Caribbean legacy | Marie-Annick Gournet

The notorious Code Noir is gone. But people in Guadeloupe and Martinique continue to live with the consequences“Vive la République, et vive la France. Macron closed his 21 May speech marking the 25th anniversary of the passing of the Taubira law, which recognised slavery as a crime against humanity, with the customary patriotic slogan.

France votes to end slavery-era law which classed people as property

Heat Wave Grips France

Heat Wave Grips France To display this content from YouTube , you must enable advertisement tracking and audience measurement. Modified: France is sweltering in an "unprecedented" heatwave for May - says the French meteorological service.