Azerbaijan calls int’l community to resolve Children of Creuse tragedy committed by France

Advisor to the executive director of the Baku International Multiculturalism Centre Aytan Gahramanova brought attention to the ongoing legal and historical ramifications of The Children of Creuse tragedy, which occurred over 60 years ago in France.

She talked about the issue during an international conference in Baku on "Reunion's independence: A look at France's colonial legacy and path to sovereignty," Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Gahramanova recalled that between 1963 and 1982, approximately 2,150 children were forcibly relocated from Réunion Island to rural metropolitan France.

"The French authorities sought to create a demographic balance by removing children from families living in densely populated areas under the pretext of fighting poverty. Parents were promised that the children would receive a good education in France and they could visit them once a year. However, most of these children lost contact with their loved ones and were never able to return to their home islands," she added.

According to her, the children were often adopted under false pretences, only to be used as labourers in farms and villages across France.

She also highlighted numerous reports of abuse and violence faced by these children, emphasising the urgent need for accountability and acknowledgement of these past human rights violations.

"There are reports of numerous cases of violence against these children. When discussing violations of human rights, especially children's rights, we must consider the role and place of international organizations in solving this problem,” she stated.

Gahramanova called on international organisations to play a pivotal role in addressing these historical injustices, especially concerning children's rights. The conference aimed to foster a deeper understanding of France's colonial legacy and its implications for current and future relations with its former territories.

By Khagan Isayev