| FRENCH POLYNESIA Overseas Lands of French Polynesia Pays d'outre-mer de la Polynesie Francaise (overseas lands of France) Joined United Nations: 24 October 1945 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 04/02/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Papeete
287,032 (July 2009 est.)
Nicholas Sarkozy
President of France since 18 May 2007
President of France since 18 May 2007
French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; high
commissioner appointed by the French president on the advice of the
French Ministry of Interior. Election last held 18 May 2007
Next scheduled election: first round April 2012, second round
May 2012
commissioner appointed by the French president on the advice of the
French Ministry of Interior. Election last held 18 May 2007
Next scheduled election: first round April 2012, second round
May 2012
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Gaston Tong Sang
President of French Polynesia
Since 24 November 2009
President of French Polynesia
Since 24 November 2009
President of the Territorial Government and the President of the
Territorial Assembly are elected by the members of the
Territorial Assembly for five-year terms (no term limits). Gaston
Tong San reelected on 25 November 2009 after Oscar Temaru
failed a vote of no confidence.
Territorial Assembly are elected by the members of the
Territorial Assembly for five-year terms (no term limits). Gaston
Tong San reelected on 25 November 2009 after Oscar Temaru
failed a vote of no confidence.
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Polynesian 78%, Chinese 12%, local French 6%, metropolitan French 4%
| RELIGIONS |
Protestant 54%, Roman Catholic 30%, other 10%, no religion 6%
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Overseas Lands of France. No administrative divisions but five archipelagic divisions . Legal system is based on French
civil law system with indigenous concepts; review of administrative but not legislative acts
Executive: Popularly elected in France for five year term represented by prefect, President of the Territorial Government
and the President of the Territorial Assembly are elected by the members of the Territorial Assembly for five-year terms
(no term limits) Election last held: 25 November 2009; Next election: 2014
Legislative: Unicameral Territorial Assembly or Assemblee Territoriale (57 seats; members are elected by popular vote
to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held 27 January 2008 (first round) and 10 February 2008 (second round) (next to be held NA 2013)
Judicial: Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; Court of the First Instance or Tribunal de Premiere Instance; Court of
Administrative Law or Tribunal Administratif
civil law system with indigenous concepts; review of administrative but not legislative acts
Executive: Popularly elected in France for five year term represented by prefect, President of the Territorial Government
and the President of the Territorial Assembly are elected by the members of the Territorial Assembly for five-year terms
(no term limits) Election last held: 25 November 2009; Next election: 2014
Legislative: Unicameral Territorial Assembly or Assemblee Territoriale (57 seats; members are elected by popular vote
to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held 27 January 2008 (first round) and 10 February 2008 (second round) (next to be held NA 2013)
Judicial: Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; Court of the First Instance or Tribunal de Premiere Instance; Court of
Administrative Law or Tribunal Administratif
| LANGUAGES |
French 61.1% (official), Polynesian 31.4% (official), Asian languages 1.2%, other 0.3%, unspecified 6% (2002 census)
| BRIEF HISTORY |
Spread across nearly 2,000,000 square miles of the South Pacific, in an area as large as the continent of Europe, lies
the Territory of French Polynesia and its principal island, Tahiti. Settlers from Southeast Asia are thought to have first
arrived in the Marquesas Islands, in the northeastern part of what is today called French Polynesia, around 300 AD
and in the Society Islands, including Tahiti, to the west by about 800 AD. Prior to the first European contact, the
islands were ruled by a hierarchy of hereditary tribal chiefs. The first Europeans to visit the area were the English
explorers Samuel Wallis in 1767 and James Cook in 1769. French explorer Louis-Antoine de Bougainville arrived in
1768 and claimed the islands for France. In the late 1700s occasional ships arrived in the islands, most notably the
H.M.S. Bounty in 1788, captained by William Bligh. The first missionaries, from the London Missionary Society,
arrived in the islands in 1797. By 1815, with the support of the most powerful ruling family in the islands, the Pomares,
the British missionaries had secured a strong influence in much of the Society Islands, doing everything possible to
eliminate traditional Polynesian culture by barring traditional dance and music as well as destroying carvings and temples
associated with native religion. The French continued to hold influence over the Marquesian Archipelago and eventually
were successful in expelling the British and securing influence over much of what today constitutes French Polynesia,
leaving the ruling Pomare family as little more than figureheads. In 1880, King Pomare V was forced to abdicate, and
a French colony was proclaimed. By 1901, the colony included the Austral Islands, the Gambier Archipelago, the
Marquesas Islands, the Society Islands and the Tuamotu atolls to the southeast. The first half of the twentieth century
saw periods of nationalistic protest in the colonies which were by then called the Établissements français d'Océanie
(French Pacific Settlements). It was not, however, until after World War II, when Tahitians who had served France
returned home, that pressure forced the French government to extend French citizenship to all islanders. The first
territorial assembly was established in 1946, and by 1949 the islands obtained representation in the French Assembly.
In 1957, the territory was officially renamed the Territory of French Polynesia. The Republic of France is represented
in the territory by a high commissioner appointed by the Republic. Throughout the second half of the twentieth century,
limited autonomy was granted to the territorial government to control socioeconomic policy but not defense, law and
order, or foreign affairs. While many citizens seek independence from France, those in control of the local government
are widely opposed to such a move. As is seen in much of the Pacific region, native culture has seen a rebirth in recent
years. The Tahitian language is once again taught in schools and even used in government meetings. Once all but
obliterated by the missionaries, the traditional arts of music and native dance (tamure) are now celebrated. However,
despite this rediscovered culture, increases in tourism, and the various local industries such as fishing and pearl farming,
the territory still remains highly dependent on France for its survival.In September 1995, France stirred up widespread
protests by resuming nuclear testing on the Mururoa atoll after a three-year moratorium. The tests were suspended in
January 1996. In recent years, French Polynesia's autonomy has been considerably expanded. On December 26,
2006, Pro France President Gaston Tong Sang replaced Oscar Temaru as President of French Polynesia. Oscar Temaru and
Gaston Tong Sang frequently contest and replace each oter as president of French Polynesia.
Sources: About.com Tahiti and French Polynesia; CIA World Factbook (select French Polynesia)
the Territory of French Polynesia and its principal island, Tahiti. Settlers from Southeast Asia are thought to have first
arrived in the Marquesas Islands, in the northeastern part of what is today called French Polynesia, around 300 AD
and in the Society Islands, including Tahiti, to the west by about 800 AD. Prior to the first European contact, the
islands were ruled by a hierarchy of hereditary tribal chiefs. The first Europeans to visit the area were the English
explorers Samuel Wallis in 1767 and James Cook in 1769. French explorer Louis-Antoine de Bougainville arrived in
1768 and claimed the islands for France. In the late 1700s occasional ships arrived in the islands, most notably the
H.M.S. Bounty in 1788, captained by William Bligh. The first missionaries, from the London Missionary Society,
arrived in the islands in 1797. By 1815, with the support of the most powerful ruling family in the islands, the Pomares,
the British missionaries had secured a strong influence in much of the Society Islands, doing everything possible to
eliminate traditional Polynesian culture by barring traditional dance and music as well as destroying carvings and temples
associated with native religion. The French continued to hold influence over the Marquesian Archipelago and eventually
were successful in expelling the British and securing influence over much of what today constitutes French Polynesia,
leaving the ruling Pomare family as little more than figureheads. In 1880, King Pomare V was forced to abdicate, and
a French colony was proclaimed. By 1901, the colony included the Austral Islands, the Gambier Archipelago, the
Marquesas Islands, the Society Islands and the Tuamotu atolls to the southeast. The first half of the twentieth century
saw periods of nationalistic protest in the colonies which were by then called the Établissements français d'Océanie
(French Pacific Settlements). It was not, however, until after World War II, when Tahitians who had served France
returned home, that pressure forced the French government to extend French citizenship to all islanders. The first
territorial assembly was established in 1946, and by 1949 the islands obtained representation in the French Assembly.
In 1957, the territory was officially renamed the Territory of French Polynesia. The Republic of France is represented
in the territory by a high commissioner appointed by the Republic. Throughout the second half of the twentieth century,
limited autonomy was granted to the territorial government to control socioeconomic policy but not defense, law and
order, or foreign affairs. While many citizens seek independence from France, those in control of the local government
are widely opposed to such a move. As is seen in much of the Pacific region, native culture has seen a rebirth in recent
years. The Tahitian language is once again taught in schools and even used in government meetings. Once all but
obliterated by the missionaries, the traditional arts of music and native dance (tamure) are now celebrated. However,
despite this rediscovered culture, increases in tourism, and the various local industries such as fishing and pearl farming,
the territory still remains highly dependent on France for its survival.In September 1995, France stirred up widespread
protests by resuming nuclear testing on the Mururoa atoll after a three-year moratorium. The tests were suspended in
January 1996. In recent years, French Polynesia's autonomy has been considerably expanded. On December 26,
2006, Pro France President Gaston Tong Sang replaced Oscar Temaru as President of French Polynesia. Oscar Temaru and
Gaston Tong Sang frequently contest and replace each oter as president of French Polynesia.
Sources: About.com Tahiti and French Polynesia; CIA World Factbook (select French Polynesia)
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Political life in French Polynesia has been marked by great instability since the mid-2000s. On September 14, 2007,
the pro-independence leader Oscar Temaru, 63, was elected president of French Polynesia for the 3rd time in 3 years
(with 27 of 44 votes cast in the territorial assembly). He replaced former President Gaston Tong Sang, opposed to
independence, who lost a no-confidence vote in the Assembly of French Polynesia on 31 August after the longtime
former president of French Polynesia, Gaston Flosse, hitherto opposed to independence, sided with his long enemy
Oscar Temaru to topple the government of Gaston Tong Sang. Oscar Temaru, however, had no stable majority in the
Assembly of French Polynesia, and new territorial elections were held in February 2008 to solve the political crisis.
Temaru lost a vote of no confidence on 13 December 2006, after months of protests against the high cost of living in
French Polynesia. Temaru had lost control of parliament due to defections. Gaston Tong Sang won the presidential
election on December 26. Temaru ran for parliament in the 2007 elections, but failed to win a seat. On September 14,
2007, Temaru was elected as President of French Polynesia for the third time in three years (with 27 of 44 votes). He
replaced Tong Sang, who lost a no-confidence vote on August 31. On 12 February 2009, he was elected president yet
again only to lose a vote of no confidence on 24 November 2009 and immediate restoration of Tong Sang to the
presidency.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of French Polynesia
the pro-independence leader Oscar Temaru, 63, was elected president of French Polynesia for the 3rd time in 3 years
(with 27 of 44 votes cast in the territorial assembly). He replaced former President Gaston Tong Sang, opposed to
independence, who lost a no-confidence vote in the Assembly of French Polynesia on 31 August after the longtime
former president of French Polynesia, Gaston Flosse, hitherto opposed to independence, sided with his long enemy
Oscar Temaru to topple the government of Gaston Tong Sang. Oscar Temaru, however, had no stable majority in the
Assembly of French Polynesia, and new territorial elections were held in February 2008 to solve the political crisis.
Temaru lost a vote of no confidence on 13 December 2006, after months of protests against the high cost of living in
French Polynesia. Temaru had lost control of parliament due to defections. Gaston Tong Sang won the presidential
election on December 26. Temaru ran for parliament in the 2007 elections, but failed to win a seat. On September 14,
2007, Temaru was elected as President of French Polynesia for the third time in three years (with 27 of 44 votes). He
replaced Tong Sang, who lost a no-confidence vote on August 31. On 12 February 2009, he was elected president yet
again only to lose a vote of no confidence on 24 November 2009 and immediate restoration of Tong Sang to the
presidency.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of French Polynesia
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
French Polynesia has a moderately developed economy, which is dependent on imported goods, tourism, and the
financial assistance of mainland France. Tourist facilities are well developed and are available on the major islands.
Also, as the noni fruit from these islands is discovered for its medicinal uses, people have been able to find jobs related
to this agricultural industry. The legal tender of French Polynesia is the CFP Franc. Agriculture: coconuts, vanilla,
vegetables, fruits. Natural resources: timber, fish, cobalt. In 2007 French Polynesia's imports amounted to 1.9 billion
US dollars and exports amounted to 197 million US dollars.[15] The major export of French Polynesia is their famous
black Tahitian pearls which accounted for 64% of exports (in value) in 2007.
financial assistance of mainland France. Tourist facilities are well developed and are available on the major islands.
Also, as the noni fruit from these islands is discovered for its medicinal uses, people have been able to find jobs related
to this agricultural industry. The legal tender of French Polynesia is the CFP Franc. Agriculture: coconuts, vanilla,
vegetables, fruits. Natural resources: timber, fish, cobalt. In 2007 French Polynesia's imports amounted to 1.9 billion
US dollars and exports amounted to 197 million US dollars.[15] The major export of French Polynesia is their famous
black Tahitian pearls which accounted for 64% of exports (in value) in 2007.
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
None reported.
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
None reported.
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: France (including overseas lands and territories)
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The country includes 11 overseas administrative divisions covered in this report. Four overseas territories in French Guiana,
Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Reunion, have the same political status as the 22 metropolitan regions and 100 departments on the
mainland. Six divisions are overseas "collectivities": French Polynesia, Mayotte, Saint-Barthelemy, Saint-Martin, Saint-Pierre and
Miquelon, and Wallis and Futuna. New Caledonia is a special overseas collectivity with a unique status between an independent
country and an overseas department and will hold a referendum on independence in 2014. Following a March 29 referendum, Mayotte
will become the 101st department in 2011. Citizens of these territories periodically elect deputies and senators to represent them in
parliament, like the other overseas regions and departments.
The following human rights problems were reported:
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
The country includes 11 overseas administrative divisions covered in this report. Four overseas territories in French Guiana,
Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Reunion, have the same political status as the 22 metropolitan regions and 100 departments on the
mainland. Six divisions are overseas "collectivities": French Polynesia, Mayotte, Saint-Barthelemy, Saint-Martin, Saint-Pierre and
Miquelon, and Wallis and Futuna. New Caledonia is a special overseas collectivity with a unique status between an independent
country and an overseas department and will hold a referendum on independence in 2014. Following a March 29 referendum, Mayotte
will become the 101st department in 2011. Citizens of these territories periodically elect deputies and senators to represent them in
parliament, like the other overseas regions and departments.
The following human rights problems were reported:
- overcrowded and dilapidated prisons,
- lengthy pretrial detention,
- protracted investigation and trial proceedings,
- restrictions on religious wear in public institutions,
- anti-Semitic incidents,
- discrimination against Muslims,
- societal hostility towards immigrants and Roma including "Travellers,"
- societal violence against women,
- child abuse and child marriage,
- trafficking in persons.
22 June 2009
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child: France (including Overseas Departments)
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the combined third and fourth periodic report of the State party, as well as the written
replies to its list of issues (CRC/FRA/Q/4 and Add. 1). It also notes that the State party provided information on the Overseas
Departments and Territories, it however regrets that this information is presented in an annex and does not follow the general
guidelines regarding the form and content of periodic reports (CRC/C/58/Rev.1). The Committee appreciates the presence of a
high-level and multi-sectorial delegation and the open and positive dialogue it conducted, which allowed a better understanding of the
situation of children in the State party.
Adoption
63. The Committee takes note of the legislative reform in the area of adoption, as well as the establishment on 30 January 2009 of the
inter-ministerial Committee on adoption. The Committee however restates its concern that the majority of intercountry adoptions are
mainly carried out with countries of origin that have not ratified the 1993 Hague Convention on Protection of Children and
Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (two-thirds), and that a high percentage of intercountry adoptions are carried out
through individual channels and not through accredited bodies. The Committee also notes with concern that intercountry adoptions are
facilitated by embassies and consulates, including the use of volunteers working with them, which may undermine the work of
accredited bodies. It further remains concerned at the absence of authorization by a competent authority of domestic adoptions of
children under the age of 2 in French Polynesia and New Caledonia.
64. Reiterating its previous recommendation and in the light of article 21 and other related provisions of the Convention, the
Committee recommends that the State party ensure that:
(a) Cases of intercountry adoption are dealt with by an accredited body in full compliance with the principles and provisions of the
Convention and the 1993 Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption;
(b) Bilateral agreements replicating the standards of the Convention, as well as the standards of the 1993 Hague Convention are
concluded with countries that have not ratified the aforementioned Convention;
(c) Authorization by the competent authority becomes mandatory for domestic adoptions in French Polynesia and New Caledonia.
Click here to read more »
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child: France (including Overseas Departments)
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the combined third and fourth periodic report of the State party, as well as the written
replies to its list of issues (CRC/FRA/Q/4 and Add. 1). It also notes that the State party provided information on the Overseas
Departments and Territories, it however regrets that this information is presented in an annex and does not follow the general
guidelines regarding the form and content of periodic reports (CRC/C/58/Rev.1). The Committee appreciates the presence of a
high-level and multi-sectorial delegation and the open and positive dialogue it conducted, which allowed a better understanding of the
situation of children in the State party.
Adoption
63. The Committee takes note of the legislative reform in the area of adoption, as well as the establishment on 30 January 2009 of the
inter-ministerial Committee on adoption. The Committee however restates its concern that the majority of intercountry adoptions are
mainly carried out with countries of origin that have not ratified the 1993 Hague Convention on Protection of Children and
Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (two-thirds), and that a high percentage of intercountry adoptions are carried out
through individual channels and not through accredited bodies. The Committee also notes with concern that intercountry adoptions are
facilitated by embassies and consulates, including the use of volunteers working with them, which may undermine the work of
accredited bodies. It further remains concerned at the absence of authorization by a competent authority of domestic adoptions of
children under the age of 2 in French Polynesia and New Caledonia.
64. Reiterating its previous recommendation and in the light of article 21 and other related provisions of the Convention, the
Committee recommends that the State party ensure that:
(a) Cases of intercountry adoption are dealt with by an accredited body in full compliance with the principles and provisions of the
Convention and the 1993 Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption;
(b) Bilateral agreements replicating the standards of the Convention, as well as the standards of the 1993 Hague Convention are
concluded with countries that have not ratified the aforementioned Convention;
(c) Authorization by the competent authority becomes mandatory for domestic adoptions in French Polynesia and New Caledonia.
Click here to read more »
No reports from Freedom House mentioning French Polynesia after exhaustive search of their data base. Please forward
any information you may have regarding Freedom House efforts on behalf of French Polynesia to the Pax Gaea World
Report editor at the link below.
Contact the editor »
any information you may have regarding Freedom House efforts on behalf of French Polynesia to the Pax Gaea World
Report editor at the link below.
Contact the editor »
No Reports from Amnesty International mentioning French Polynesia after exhaustive search of their data Base. Please
forward any information you may have regarding Amnesty International efforts on behalf of French Polynesia to the Pax
Gaea World Report editor at the link below
Contact the editor »
forward any information you may have regarding Amnesty International efforts on behalf of French Polynesia to the Pax
Gaea World Report editor at the link below
Contact the editor »
No reports from Human Rights Watch mentioning French Polynesia after exhaustive search of their data base. Please
forward any information you may have regarding Human Rights Watch efforts on behalf of French Polynesia to the Pax
Gaea World Report editor at the link below.
Contact the editor »
forward any information you may have regarding Human Rights Watch efforts on behalf of French Polynesia to the Pax
Gaea World Report editor at the link below.
Contact the editor »
TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Speech by Mr Philip Schyle, President of the Assembly of French Polynesia during the meeting of
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Since last April, a new majority led the country. I daresay that this majority can count since then the work of our meeting and the
effectiveness of our work, both in plenary and in committee permanent, which I wish to thank the work and effort ..
I have memory, our sessions last year and, as you say now, I'm not leaving for a new period of instability ... The public does not
want it either.
I hope (at least I like to think) that we will overcome the difficulties that agitate our current meeting. I understand that coexistence
between two groups almost equal importance is a bit lively - yet - I think with common sense and a lot of mutual respect, we
should evacuate these concerns for ourselves to the essential: THE FATE OF THE MOST DEPRIVED AND THE
DEVELOPMENT OF OUR COUNTRY.
The inaugural meeting of the budget does not give rise to balance the work of the Chairman of the meeting, but I would like to
share some moments with you, on my first month of activity on the facts that I was particularly marked .
I wanted our congregation moves to Paris to defend the view that it had made on the draft law on the health consequences of
nuclear testing.
I thank each of the presidents of the group, because everyone knew at that moment, to silence his political affiliation with an
emphasis on action against controversy.
I witnessed the solidarity of all to defend the unanimous opinion of our meeting, without thought of recovery and the only concern
of the public interest.
Several weeks ago, the defense minister wrote me that he was willing to bear the medical expenses advanced by the SPC and
caused by the tests, from the moment the causal link was acquired. Certainly, we can say that this is not enough, challenge and
show ... but this is not it a step forward and a concrete basis on which to start the 1st studies?
I was initially told that this injury had no price.
Then I heard he had to pay 7 ... 8 ... 10 ... 12 billion then, I even heard 35 billion! But on what basis? No assessment of costs
advanced by the CPS has been made! In all cases, none has been produced ...
To be credible, we need to be sure of our numbers, our rights ... sure ... sure of ourselves.
Arrived at these amounts then we must be transparent and accurate, this will be our best weapons.
Click here to read more »
Speech by Mr Philip Schyle, President of the Assembly of French Polynesia during the meeting of
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Since last April, a new majority led the country. I daresay that this majority can count since then the work of our meeting and the
effectiveness of our work, both in plenary and in committee permanent, which I wish to thank the work and effort ..
I have memory, our sessions last year and, as you say now, I'm not leaving for a new period of instability ... The public does not
want it either.
I hope (at least I like to think) that we will overcome the difficulties that agitate our current meeting. I understand that coexistence
between two groups almost equal importance is a bit lively - yet - I think with common sense and a lot of mutual respect, we
should evacuate these concerns for ourselves to the essential: THE FATE OF THE MOST DEPRIVED AND THE
DEVELOPMENT OF OUR COUNTRY.
The inaugural meeting of the budget does not give rise to balance the work of the Chairman of the meeting, but I would like to
share some moments with you, on my first month of activity on the facts that I was particularly marked .
I wanted our congregation moves to Paris to defend the view that it had made on the draft law on the health consequences of
nuclear testing.
I thank each of the presidents of the group, because everyone knew at that moment, to silence his political affiliation with an
emphasis on action against controversy.
I witnessed the solidarity of all to defend the unanimous opinion of our meeting, without thought of recovery and the only concern
of the public interest.
Several weeks ago, the defense minister wrote me that he was willing to bear the medical expenses advanced by the SPC and
caused by the tests, from the moment the causal link was acquired. Certainly, we can say that this is not enough, challenge and
show ... but this is not it a step forward and a concrete basis on which to start the 1st studies?
I was initially told that this injury had no price.
Then I heard he had to pay 7 ... 8 ... 10 ... 12 billion then, I even heard 35 billion! But on what basis? No assessment of costs
advanced by the CPS has been made! In all cases, none has been produced ...
To be credible, we need to be sure of our numbers, our rights ... sure ... sure of ourselves.
Arrived at these amounts then we must be transparent and accurate, this will be our best weapons.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
23/12/2009
French Nuclear Tests
The Ombudsman of the Republic welcomes the adoption of a compensation scheme for victims
The Parliament has adopted on the night of December 22, 2009, the final version of the law establishing a compensation scheme
for the benefit of persons (State personnel and civilians) who have suffered the adverse consequences of nuclear tests French
performed between 1960 and 1996 in the Algerian Sahara and in French Polynesia. The Ombudsman of the Republic, who
himself had presented its proposals to achieve the establishment of a mechanism for equitable relief, hails the passage of this law,
which it hopes will finally allow these victims to pursue their rights and express the solidarity of the nation against them.
It also welcomes the improvements to the device through the parliamentary debate.
Thus, recognition of a presumption of causation between the disease and the nuclear test, where the conditions provided by law
are met, represents significant progress for the victims, who have so far been met with great difficulty need to establish with
certainty the connection between their illnesses and exposure to radiation.
Similarly, respect for adversarial proceedings or the need for the Minister of Defence to explain its decisions are consistent
rejection of a more transparent and impartial.
The Ombudsman of the Republic regrets that the right to reparation for victims' relatives for their own injuries, is ultimately not
provided by the text. He hoped a speedy publication of implementing decrees and wishes that they guarantee the independent
functioning of the compensation committee and take into account all relevant conditions.
Click here to read more »
23/12/2009
French Nuclear Tests
The Ombudsman of the Republic welcomes the adoption of a compensation scheme for victims
The Parliament has adopted on the night of December 22, 2009, the final version of the law establishing a compensation scheme
for the benefit of persons (State personnel and civilians) who have suffered the adverse consequences of nuclear tests French
performed between 1960 and 1996 in the Algerian Sahara and in French Polynesia. The Ombudsman of the Republic, who
himself had presented its proposals to achieve the establishment of a mechanism for equitable relief, hails the passage of this law,
which it hopes will finally allow these victims to pursue their rights and express the solidarity of the nation against them.
It also welcomes the improvements to the device through the parliamentary debate.
Thus, recognition of a presumption of causation between the disease and the nuclear test, where the conditions provided by law
are met, represents significant progress for the victims, who have so far been met with great difficulty need to establish with
certainty the connection between their illnesses and exposure to radiation.
Similarly, respect for adversarial proceedings or the need for the Minister of Defence to explain its decisions are consistent
rejection of a more transparent and impartial.
The Ombudsman of the Republic regrets that the right to reparation for victims' relatives for their own injuries, is ultimately not
provided by the text. He hoped a speedy publication of implementing decrees and wishes that they guarantee the independent
functioning of the compensation committee and take into account all relevant conditions.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Women's Day.
by FANOMAIMUA Pro @ 06. March 2010.
Women
Women circumcised
Women beatings
Rape
Prostitutes
Women exploited
Women abandoned
Women scorned
Women cruelty
Women cowardice
Women without pity
Women greed
How still tolerate so little respect for some men against women, but also some women against women.
Women's equality
Women loyalty
Women goodness
Always full of hope, love and friendship
In symbiosis with each other,
We will continue hand in hand with our men and our children.
A day to celebrate the woman is not enough
This whole year we have to share and respect us,
To reduce such a skin grief, the rights violated.
Hinano BESSALEM
Vice President of the League of Human Rights Polynesian
Click here to read more »
Women's Day.
by FANOMAIMUA Pro @ 06. March 2010.
Women
Women circumcised
Women beatings
Rape
Prostitutes
Women exploited
Women abandoned
Women scorned
Women cruelty
Women cowardice
Women without pity
Women greed
How still tolerate so little respect for some men against women, but also some women against women.
Women's equality
Women loyalty
Women goodness
Always full of hope, love and friendship
In symbiosis with each other,
We will continue hand in hand with our men and our children.
A day to celebrate the woman is not enough
This whole year we have to share and respect us,
To reduce such a skin grief, the rights violated.
Hinano BESSALEM
Vice President of the League of Human Rights Polynesian
Click here to read more »
Represented by
Adolphe Colrat
High Commissioner of the Republic since 7
July 2008
Adolphe Colrat
High Commissioner of the Republic since 7
July 2008
Philip Schyle
President of the Territorial Assembly
Since 09 April 2009
President of the Territorial Assembly
Since 09 April 2009
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| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported
