Over 60 Rights Groups Call On France For Reparations To Haiti

FRANCE – More than 60 rights groups are urging French President Emmanuel Macron to pay reparations to Haiti, demanding justice for crippling payments Haiti made to France after gaining independence.

The so-called “ransom,” which included compensation for lost slaves set Haiti’s economy back generations and fueled a cycle of debt and aid dependence, the groups say.

France has agreed for a commission to study the issue, but has so far avoided talk of reparations.

The call comes on the 200th anniversary of the controversial payments, as support grows from CARICOM and African nations.