PARIS | For nearly two centuries after France abolished slavery, the colonial-era law that classified humans as property has remained quietly on its books. On Thursday, the lower house of Parliament voted to wipe it from French law.

For almost 180 years after France abolished slavery, the Code Noir (Black Code) allowing enslaved humans to be treated as property and worked, beaten, sold, raped or killed, remained in place.

The St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association, in collaboration with The Repair Campaign, hosted a special Youth Parliament Sitting focused on Reparatory Justice on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the National Assembly Chambers. This debate brought to the fore the voices and thoughts of young people as they debated one of the region’s most significant justice movements.