Paris
France this week declared May 10 to be a national day of commemoration for all victims of slavery. The holiday marks the day in 2001 when the French passed a law recognizing slavery as a crime against humanity. President Jacques Chirac said France’s firm stand against modern slavery, which persists in parts of Africa, is a reflection of the country’s “glory and strength.” But French historians protested, saying that while they too oppose slavery, they are offended by the French government’s habit of making broad pronouncements on historical matters. In 2001, for instance, the government passed a law officially recognizing the Ottoman massacre of Armenians during World War I as “genocide.” The historians called for a repeal of laws that impose “a specific view of history.”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
An ingredient in Coca-Cola may be funding Sudan's warUnder the Radar Global trade in gum arabic centres on the African nation – and proceeds bankroll conflict between the army and paramilitary rebels
-
Homes for multi-generational familiesFeature Featuring a 1900 Jacobean-style mansion in Massachusetts and a 22.5-acre compound in California
-
The Week contest: Foot PSAPuzzles and Quizzes
