| SAINT-PIERRE AND MIQUELON Territorial Collectivity of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon Departement de Saint-Pierre et Miquelon (Overseas Department of France) Joined United Nations: 24 October 1945 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 10/15/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Saint-Pierre
7,063 (July 2010 est.)
Stéphane Artano
President of the Territorial Council
since 21 February 2007
President of the Territorial Council
since 21 February 2007
French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;
prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the
French Ministry of Interior; election last held 22 April and 6 May
2007
Next scheduled election: 2012
prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the
French Ministry of Interior; election last held 22 April and 6 May
2007
Next scheduled election: 2012
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
President of the Territorial Council is elected by the members of
the council; election last held 21 February 2007
Next scheduled election: 2012
the council; election last held 21 February 2007
Next scheduled election: 2012
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Basques and Bretons (French fishermen)
| RELIGIONS |
Roman Catholic 99%, other 1%
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Self-governing territorial overseas collectivity of France with two communes; Legal system are the laws of France, where applicable
Executive: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 6 May 2007 (next to be held in 2012); prefect
appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the territorial Council is elected by the
members of the council
Legislative: Unicameral General Council or Conseil General (19 seats, 15 from Saint Pierre and four from Miquelon; members are
elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms)
elections: elections last held 19 and 26 in March 2006 (next to be held in March 2012)
Judicial: Superior Tribunal of Appeals or Tribunal Superieur d'Appel
Executive: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 6 May 2007 (next to be held in 2012); prefect
appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the territorial Council is elected by the
members of the council
Legislative: Unicameral General Council or Conseil General (19 seats, 15 from Saint Pierre and four from Miquelon; members are
elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms)
elections: elections last held 19 and 26 in March 2006 (next to be held in March 2012)
Judicial: Superior Tribunal of Appeals or Tribunal Superieur d'Appel
| LANGUAGES |
French (official)
| BRIEF HISTORY |
Some of the native artifacts found on the islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon date back to 6000 BC. There is no record of native
habitation of Saint Pierre and Miquelon by the time that Europeans arrived. Beothuk and Paleoeskimo or Dorset culture artifacts
have been uncovered on the island Saint-Pierre at Anse à Henry, north of the town of Saint-Pierre. The Beothuk painted themselves
with red ochre, which was the origin of the term "Red Indian". The Beothuk did not survive long after their first encounters with
Europeans. The first map that showed Saint Pierre and Miquelon was the Mappa mundi of 1500 created by Juan de la Cosa,
where they were labelled 'Illa de la Trenidat'. There are some who argue that the 'Green Islands' encountered during the two
pre-1472 Portuguese expeditions under João Vaz Corte-Real and the 1501 Portuguese expedition under his son Gaspar
Corte-Real were St. Pierre and the islands near it. A map drawn by Johannes Ruysch published in 1507 depicts Miquelon, St.
Pierre and the surrounding islands, and labelled as Barbatos. Portuguese explorer João Álvares Fagundes on the 21st of October
1520 named the St. Pierre island group the 'Eleven Thousand Virgins'. Jacques Cartier of France referred to Saint Pierre and
Miquelon and the neighboring islands as the 'Islands of Saint-Pierre' in a written report after his visit in 1536. This was the earliest
known written reference to the name 'Saint-Pierre'. The first use of the name 'Miquelon' for the large western island in the St. Pierre
island group appears in Les voyages aventureux du Capitaine Martin de Hoyarsal, habitant du çubiburu a reference book for sailors
known as a "navigational pilot", written by Basque seaman Martin de Hoyarçabal in 1579. During the 16th century, the islands were
used as a base for the seasonal cod fishery by the French of La Rochelle, Granville, Saint-Malo and the Basque Country. French
explorer Jacques Cartier was in Saint-Pierre in 1536. By this time, Basque, Breton and Norman fishermen had been fishing in the
waters off these islands for over 30 years. The first written evidence of year-round residents on the islands was in a report in 1670
by the first intendant of New France, Jean Talon, who recorded the presence of 13 fishermen and 4 sedentary residents. By 1687,
there were 3 families living on the islands, a small chapel was built in 1689 and a military post was constructed in 1690 in
Saint-Pierre. Two long wars between France and England, King William's War, extending from 1689 to 1697 and Queen Anne's
War, from 1702 to 1712 were associated with at least five British attacks on the islands. This led to the abandonment of the islands
by many of the French settlers by 1708. Some of the settlers that left went to Cape Breton Island to live in the new French fishing
colony of Ile Royale. The Treaty of Utrecht brought these wars to an end, and France ceded possession of Saint Pierre and
Miquelon, as well as Newfoundland, to the English. After they took control of the islands in 1713, the English changed the name of
St. Pierre to "Saint Peter's". In the summer of 1763, after England had agreed to return the islands to French possession, James
Cook mapped the islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon. Between 1763 and 1778, the islands became a place of refuge for Acadian
deportees from Nova Scotia. In 1778 the islands were attacked by a force led by Newfoundland's Governor John Montagu and
the population deported by the British as retaliation for French support of the American Revolutionary War. The residents were sent
to France and their homes were destroyed. France regained the islands in 1783 after the Treaty of Versailles and some residents
returned to the islands. In May of 1793, British hostility to the French Revolution and the fact that France had declared war on the
United Kingdom as part of the War of the First Coalition, led to another British attack on the islands under Captain William Affleck
of Halifax. The seasonal fishermen and French military forces were deported in 1793, followed by the 950 residents in 1794, who
were shipped to Halifax and held for two years. English fishermen took possession of the islands. Only 2 years later, French forces
under Rear-Admiral de Richery attacked the islands in 1796, sinking 80 British vessels. The English abandoned the islands, and the
French destroyed the town. After this, the islands remained deserted until 1816. The islands were finally returned to France after the
second abdication of Napoleon in 1815. The increasing French presence on the French Shore led to tension between the French
and English inhabitants, and extensive negotations between France and Britain. These negotiations resulted in a convention in 1857
in which Britain agreed to allow French settlements on the French Shore and eventually their exclusive use of this territory.
Submarine trans-Atlantic telegraph cables from France in the 1800s typically were routed from the French mainland through stations
on Miquelon or St. Pierre, and then on to Nova Scotia or the United States. The first was laid in 1869. The First World War
resulted in disruptions of supplies from France between 1914 and 1918, and the death of over 100 residents in the trenches of
Europe. Starting in 1920, the US passed the Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution which led to Prohibition. As a
result, St. Pierre and Miquelon became the transshipment point for bringing illegal alcohol from Canada into the United States.
Many gangsters including Al Capone and Bill McCoy set up operations in the islands, using them as a base to smuggle alcohol into
the US. As quickly as it began, the boom collapsed when Prohibition was repealed, leaving a depressed local economy. On
Christmas Eve 1941, Free French forces led by Rear-Admiral Émile Muselier "invaded" the islands on behalf of Charles de Gaulle,
commanding three corvettes and the submarine Surcouf. The Vichy administration on the islands immediately surrendered. This
"invasion" by Free French forces exploded into a major international incidence because the use of military force by Free France was
contrary to the Monroe Doctrine. The United States and Canada both threatened invasion of the islands, despite Free France being
a nominal ally of both countries. However, the "liberation" of St. Pierre and Miquelon had graced the front pages of major
newspapers in both countries as one of the first territories to be removed from Axis control. At the end of the second World War in
1945, Saint Pierre and Miquelon resumed its place as a center for cod-fishing. Other nations joined the French fleet to fish in the
waters around the islands. The economy was not as prosperous as it had been, and by the 1960s French government subsidies
constituted half the budget of the islands. This led to the reputation of the island residents as being "the world's most expensive
Frenchmen". In the late 1950s De Gaulle offered all French colonies political and financial independence. Saint Pierre and Miquelon
chose to remain part of France. A political leadership crisis in Saint Pierre and Miquelon erupted in 1965. France sent in an armed
force of 'gardes mobiles'. In response, the residents of Saint Pierre and Miquelon mounted a three-day general strike in protest of
this interference in local affairs. The islands became a full département d'outre mer of France in 1976. This status was modified in
1985 and the islands became a territory with special status (collectivité territoriale à statut particulier). After the constitutional reform
of 2003, it became a collectivité d'outre-mer, while keeping its particular name of collectivité territoriale de
Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. To the consternation of law enforcement officials, there continues to be smuggling of alcohol and tobacco
from Saint Pierre and Miquelon to Newfoundland. This illegal trade has a long history and tradition, and is partly driven by a
depressed local economy. At this point, Saint Pierre and Miquelon represent the sole remaining vestige of France's once vast North
American possessions. They have always been most important as a fishing centre, being in easy travelling distance of the Grand
Banks of Newfoundland, some of the world's richest fishing grounds. However, they are slowly diversifying their economy into
tourism and other activities, with the assistance of the French government. As a result of an agreement {ref} between the European
Union and France, the Euro became the legal currency of the French overseas territories of French Guiana, Réunion, Saint Pierre
and Miquelon, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Mayotte in 2002.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon
habitation of Saint Pierre and Miquelon by the time that Europeans arrived. Beothuk and Paleoeskimo or Dorset culture artifacts
have been uncovered on the island Saint-Pierre at Anse à Henry, north of the town of Saint-Pierre. The Beothuk painted themselves
with red ochre, which was the origin of the term "Red Indian". The Beothuk did not survive long after their first encounters with
Europeans. The first map that showed Saint Pierre and Miquelon was the Mappa mundi of 1500 created by Juan de la Cosa,
where they were labelled 'Illa de la Trenidat'. There are some who argue that the 'Green Islands' encountered during the two
pre-1472 Portuguese expeditions under João Vaz Corte-Real and the 1501 Portuguese expedition under his son Gaspar
Corte-Real were St. Pierre and the islands near it. A map drawn by Johannes Ruysch published in 1507 depicts Miquelon, St.
Pierre and the surrounding islands, and labelled as Barbatos. Portuguese explorer João Álvares Fagundes on the 21st of October
1520 named the St. Pierre island group the 'Eleven Thousand Virgins'. Jacques Cartier of France referred to Saint Pierre and
Miquelon and the neighboring islands as the 'Islands of Saint-Pierre' in a written report after his visit in 1536. This was the earliest
known written reference to the name 'Saint-Pierre'. The first use of the name 'Miquelon' for the large western island in the St. Pierre
island group appears in Les voyages aventureux du Capitaine Martin de Hoyarsal, habitant du çubiburu a reference book for sailors
known as a "navigational pilot", written by Basque seaman Martin de Hoyarçabal in 1579. During the 16th century, the islands were
used as a base for the seasonal cod fishery by the French of La Rochelle, Granville, Saint-Malo and the Basque Country. French
explorer Jacques Cartier was in Saint-Pierre in 1536. By this time, Basque, Breton and Norman fishermen had been fishing in the
waters off these islands for over 30 years. The first written evidence of year-round residents on the islands was in a report in 1670
by the first intendant of New France, Jean Talon, who recorded the presence of 13 fishermen and 4 sedentary residents. By 1687,
there were 3 families living on the islands, a small chapel was built in 1689 and a military post was constructed in 1690 in
Saint-Pierre. Two long wars between France and England, King William's War, extending from 1689 to 1697 and Queen Anne's
War, from 1702 to 1712 were associated with at least five British attacks on the islands. This led to the abandonment of the islands
by many of the French settlers by 1708. Some of the settlers that left went to Cape Breton Island to live in the new French fishing
colony of Ile Royale. The Treaty of Utrecht brought these wars to an end, and France ceded possession of Saint Pierre and
Miquelon, as well as Newfoundland, to the English. After they took control of the islands in 1713, the English changed the name of
St. Pierre to "Saint Peter's". In the summer of 1763, after England had agreed to return the islands to French possession, James
Cook mapped the islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon. Between 1763 and 1778, the islands became a place of refuge for Acadian
deportees from Nova Scotia. In 1778 the islands were attacked by a force led by Newfoundland's Governor John Montagu and
the population deported by the British as retaliation for French support of the American Revolutionary War. The residents were sent
to France and their homes were destroyed. France regained the islands in 1783 after the Treaty of Versailles and some residents
returned to the islands. In May of 1793, British hostility to the French Revolution and the fact that France had declared war on the
United Kingdom as part of the War of the First Coalition, led to another British attack on the islands under Captain William Affleck
of Halifax. The seasonal fishermen and French military forces were deported in 1793, followed by the 950 residents in 1794, who
were shipped to Halifax and held for two years. English fishermen took possession of the islands. Only 2 years later, French forces
under Rear-Admiral de Richery attacked the islands in 1796, sinking 80 British vessels. The English abandoned the islands, and the
French destroyed the town. After this, the islands remained deserted until 1816. The islands were finally returned to France after the
second abdication of Napoleon in 1815. The increasing French presence on the French Shore led to tension between the French
and English inhabitants, and extensive negotations between France and Britain. These negotiations resulted in a convention in 1857
in which Britain agreed to allow French settlements on the French Shore and eventually their exclusive use of this territory.
Submarine trans-Atlantic telegraph cables from France in the 1800s typically were routed from the French mainland through stations
on Miquelon or St. Pierre, and then on to Nova Scotia or the United States. The first was laid in 1869. The First World War
resulted in disruptions of supplies from France between 1914 and 1918, and the death of over 100 residents in the trenches of
Europe. Starting in 1920, the US passed the Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution which led to Prohibition. As a
result, St. Pierre and Miquelon became the transshipment point for bringing illegal alcohol from Canada into the United States.
Many gangsters including Al Capone and Bill McCoy set up operations in the islands, using them as a base to smuggle alcohol into
the US. As quickly as it began, the boom collapsed when Prohibition was repealed, leaving a depressed local economy. On
Christmas Eve 1941, Free French forces led by Rear-Admiral Émile Muselier "invaded" the islands on behalf of Charles de Gaulle,
commanding three corvettes and the submarine Surcouf. The Vichy administration on the islands immediately surrendered. This
"invasion" by Free French forces exploded into a major international incidence because the use of military force by Free France was
contrary to the Monroe Doctrine. The United States and Canada both threatened invasion of the islands, despite Free France being
a nominal ally of both countries. However, the "liberation" of St. Pierre and Miquelon had graced the front pages of major
newspapers in both countries as one of the first territories to be removed from Axis control. At the end of the second World War in
1945, Saint Pierre and Miquelon resumed its place as a center for cod-fishing. Other nations joined the French fleet to fish in the
waters around the islands. The economy was not as prosperous as it had been, and by the 1960s French government subsidies
constituted half the budget of the islands. This led to the reputation of the island residents as being "the world's most expensive
Frenchmen". In the late 1950s De Gaulle offered all French colonies political and financial independence. Saint Pierre and Miquelon
chose to remain part of France. A political leadership crisis in Saint Pierre and Miquelon erupted in 1965. France sent in an armed
force of 'gardes mobiles'. In response, the residents of Saint Pierre and Miquelon mounted a three-day general strike in protest of
this interference in local affairs. The islands became a full département d'outre mer of France in 1976. This status was modified in
1985 and the islands became a territory with special status (collectivité territoriale à statut particulier). After the constitutional reform
of 2003, it became a collectivité d'outre-mer, while keeping its particular name of collectivité territoriale de
Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. To the consternation of law enforcement officials, there continues to be smuggling of alcohol and tobacco
from Saint Pierre and Miquelon to Newfoundland. This illegal trade has a long history and tradition, and is partly driven by a
depressed local economy. At this point, Saint Pierre and Miquelon represent the sole remaining vestige of France's once vast North
American possessions. They have always been most important as a fishing centre, being in easy travelling distance of the Grand
Banks of Newfoundland, some of the world's richest fishing grounds. However, they are slowly diversifying their economy into
tourism and other activities, with the assistance of the French government. As a result of an agreement {ref} between the European
Union and France, the Euro became the legal currency of the French overseas territories of French Guiana, Réunion, Saint Pierre
and Miquelon, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Mayotte in 2002.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
The inhabitants have traditionally earned their livelihood by fishing and by servicing fishing fleets operating off the coast of
Newfoundland. The economy has been declining, however, because of disputes with Canada over fishing quotas and a steady
decline in the number of ships stopping at Saint Pierre. In 1992, an arbitration panel awarded the islands an exclusive economic
zone of 12,348 sq km to settle a longstanding territorial dispute with Canada, although it represents only 25% of what France had
sought. France heavily subsidizes the islands to the great betterment of living standards. The government hopes an expansion of
tourism will boost economic prospects. Fish farming, crab fishing, and agriculture are being developed to diversify the local
economy. Recent test drilling for oil may pave the way for development of the energy sector.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Saint-Pierre and Miquelon)
Newfoundland. The economy has been declining, however, because of disputes with Canada over fishing quotas and a steady
decline in the number of ships stopping at Saint Pierre. In 1992, an arbitration panel awarded the islands an exclusive economic
zone of 12,348 sq km to settle a longstanding territorial dispute with Canada, although it represents only 25% of what France had
sought. France heavily subsidizes the islands to the great betterment of living standards. The government hopes an expansion of
tourism will boost economic prospects. Fish farming, crab fishing, and agriculture are being developed to diversify the local
economy. Recent test drilling for oil may pave the way for development of the energy sector.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Saint-Pierre and Miquelon)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
Politics of Saint Pierre and Miquelon takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic French overseas
collectivity, whereby the President of the Territorial Council is the head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system.
Executive power is exercised by the government.
The head of state is President Nicolas Sarkozy of France as represented by Préfet (Prefect) Albert Dupuy (since 10 January 2005).
The Prefect is essentially the Governor of the territory.
The Territorial Council of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon (French: Conseil territorial de Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon), which was known
until February 22, 2007 as the General Council (Conseil général), has 19 members, elected for a three year term in single seat
constituencies. The council sits at the Territorial Council Building, a two storey, two tone aqua colour building on St. Pierre.
The judiciary of the territory consists of the Superior Tribunal of Appeals (Tribunal Superieur d'Appel).
The court resides at the Palais de Justice or Courthouse and are located at Church Square in St. Pierre.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon
collectivity, whereby the President of the Territorial Council is the head of government, and of a pluriform multi-party system.
Executive power is exercised by the government.
The head of state is President Nicolas Sarkozy of France as represented by Préfet (Prefect) Albert Dupuy (since 10 January 2005).
The Prefect is essentially the Governor of the territory.
The Territorial Council of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon (French: Conseil territorial de Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon), which was known
until February 22, 2007 as the General Council (Conseil général), has 19 members, elected for a three year term in single seat
constituencies. The council sits at the Territorial Council Building, a two storey, two tone aqua colour building on St. Pierre.
The judiciary of the territory consists of the Superior Tribunal of Appeals (Tribunal Superieur d'Appel).
The court resides at the Palais de Justice or Courthouse and are located at Church Square in St. Pierre.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
None reported.
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
None reported.
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
Limits in the Seas
No. 57
Canada- St.-Pierre and Miquelon
Territorial Sea Boundary
The Governments of Canada and the French Republic signed an agreement on March 27, 1972, concerning their mutual fishing relations
off the Atlantic coast of Canada. The agreement entered into force on the date of signing. Annexed to the agreement was a declaration
delimiting the territorial sea between the Canadian province of Newfoundland and the French overseas territory of St.-Pierre and
Miquelon. Neither country is party to the 1958 Geneva Convention on the Territorial Sea and Contiguous Zone.
The Agreement Between Canada and France on Their Mutual Fishing Relations, Having regard to the fact that the Canadian Government
has deemed it necessary, notably with a view to ensuring the protection of Canadian fisheries, to adopt certain measures relating to the
delimitation of the territorial sea and the fishing zones of Canada,
Considering it desirable to adapt to present circumstances their mutual relations in fishery
matters.
Click here to read more »
No. 57
Canada- St.-Pierre and Miquelon
Territorial Sea Boundary
The Governments of Canada and the French Republic signed an agreement on March 27, 1972, concerning their mutual fishing relations
off the Atlantic coast of Canada. The agreement entered into force on the date of signing. Annexed to the agreement was a declaration
delimiting the territorial sea between the Canadian province of Newfoundland and the French overseas territory of St.-Pierre and
Miquelon. Neither country is party to the 1958 Geneva Convention on the Territorial Sea and Contiguous Zone.
The Agreement Between Canada and France on Their Mutual Fishing Relations, Having regard to the fact that the Canadian Government
has deemed it necessary, notably with a view to ensuring the protection of Canadian fisheries, to adopt certain measures relating to the
delimitation of the territorial sea and the fishing zones of Canada,
Considering it desirable to adapt to present circumstances their mutual relations in fishery
matters.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
July 23, 2009
COMMITTEE AGAINST TORTURE
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 19 OF THE CONVENTION
Fourth to sixth periodic reports of States parties due in 2008
FRANCE * **
Introduction
1. France is pleased to present to the Committee against Torture UN ("The Committee") periodic report under article 19 of the
Convention against Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. In accordance with the wish that the Committee expressed
in its conclusions and recommendations of the April 3, 2006 (CAT/C/FRA/CO/3, para. 27), this document contains the fourth to sixth
periodic reports.
2. The preparation of this report was conducted in consultation with civil society through the National Consultative Commission of
Human Rights (CNCDH). The latter which includes, inter alia, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), associations human rights and
labor organizations had the opportunity to review the draft report of the Government and produced a written note. This report takes into
account insofar as it was possible the recommendations of the CNCDH.
b) Local and overseas to Article 74 (Mayotte, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna), whose articles reflect
their own interests within the Republic and grant them more autonomy or less extent. A law Organic defines the division of powers
between the state and the community. In respect of their skills, community institutions can develop standards, including in the field of
law. Some of these communities are governed by the principle of Legislative specialty that laws and regulations are applicable only on
reference express;
Click here to read more »
July 23, 2009
COMMITTEE AGAINST TORTURE
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 19 OF THE CONVENTION
Fourth to sixth periodic reports of States parties due in 2008
FRANCE * **
Introduction
1. France is pleased to present to the Committee against Torture UN ("The Committee") periodic report under article 19 of the
Convention against Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. In accordance with the wish that the Committee expressed
in its conclusions and recommendations of the April 3, 2006 (CAT/C/FRA/CO/3, para. 27), this document contains the fourth to sixth
periodic reports.
2. The preparation of this report was conducted in consultation with civil society through the National Consultative Commission of
Human Rights (CNCDH). The latter which includes, inter alia, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), associations human rights and
labor organizations had the opportunity to review the draft report of the Government and produced a written note. This report takes into
account insofar as it was possible the recommendations of the CNCDH.
b) Local and overseas to Article 74 (Mayotte, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna), whose articles reflect
their own interests within the Republic and grant them more autonomy or less extent. A law Organic defines the division of powers
between the state and the community. In respect of their skills, community institutions can develop standards, including in the field of
law. Some of these communities are governed by the principle of Legislative specialty that laws and regulations are applicable only on
reference express;
Click here to read more »
No Reports from Freedom House mentioning Saint Pierre and Miquelon after exhaustive search of their database. Please
forward any information you may have regarding Freedom House efforts on behalf of Saint Pierre and Miquelon to the Pax
Gaea World Report editor at the link below
Contact the editor »
forward any information you may have regarding Freedom House efforts on behalf of Saint Pierre and Miquelon to the Pax
Gaea World Report editor at the link below
Contact the editor »
No Reports from Amnesty International mentioning Saint Pierre and Miquelon after exhaustive search of their database.
Please forward any information you may have regarding Amnesty International efforts on behalf of Saint Pierre and
Miquelon to the Pax Gaea World Report editor at the link below
Contact the editor »
Please forward any information you may have regarding Amnesty International efforts on behalf of Saint Pierre and
Miquelon to the Pax Gaea World Report editor at the link below
Contact the editor »
No Reports from Human Rights Watch mentioning Saint Pierre and Miquelon after exhaustive search of their database.
Please forward any information you may have regarding Human Rights Watch efforts on behalf of Saint Pierre and Miquelon
to the Pax Gaea World Report editor at the link below
Contact the editor »
Please forward any information you may have regarding Human Rights Watch efforts on behalf of Saint Pierre and Miquelon
to the Pax Gaea World Report editor at the link below
Contact the editor »
TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Decision No. 2010-6/7 QPC 11 June 2010
(Mr. Stéphane Artano AND OTHERS)
The Constitutional Council has received 7 May 2010 by the Supreme Court (Case No. 12006 and No. 12007 of May 7, 2010), in
accordance with Article 61-1 of the Constitution, a priority issue of constitutionality raised, respectively, by Drs. Stéphane Artano and
Marc Plantegenest and Mr. Francis Hermitte concerning compliance with Article L. 7 of the electoral code of rights and freedoms
guaranteed by the Constitution.
The Constitutional Council Pursuant to the Constitution;
Considering Ordinance No. 58-1067 of 7 November 1958 on the Organic Law on the Constitutional Council;
Having regard to the Electoral Code, particularly Article L. 30;
Having regard to the penal code;
Considering Law No. 95-65 of January 19, 1995 on the financing of political life;
Given the resolution of 4 February 2010 on the procedure before the Constitutional Council for priority issues of constitutionality;
Having produced for the comments by Mr. Hermitte Ortscheidt CPA, attorney to the State Council and the Court of Cassation, recorded
May 14, 2010;
Given the comments of Mr. Plantegenest produced by Patrick Tabet, Bar of Paris and around the courts of Saint Pierre and Miquelon,
recorded May 19, 2010;
Having produced for the comments by Mr. Artano SELARL Flécheux and Associates, a lawyer in Paris, recorded May 20, 2010;
Given the observations produced by the prime minister, recorded May 20, 2010;
Seen the new observations for Mr. Plantegenest produced by Patrick Tabet, recorded May 26, 2010;
Considering the documents produced and attached to records;
Xavier Flécheux for Mr. Artano, Ms. Virginia Colin, Mr. Plantegenest, Mr. Jerome Ortscheidt for Hermitte Mr. and Mrs. Sophie Rimeu,
designated by the Prime Minister, having been heard at the public hearing on June 2, 2010 ;
The rapporteur has been heard;
1. Whereas the two questions forwarded by the Supreme Court dealing with the same statutory provision, it must therefore be joined to
respond with a single decision;
2. Whereas under Article L. 7 of the Electoral Code: "Must not be registered on the electoral roll for a period of five years from the date
on which the conviction becomes final, persons convicted of an offense under sections 432 - 10 to 432-16, 433-1, 433-2, 433-3 and
433-4 of the Penal Code or for the offense of concealment of any of these offenses, as defined by articles 321-1 and 321-2 of Penal
Code ";
3. Whereas, according to the applicants, these provisions violate the principles of necessity and the individualization of sentences
guaranteed by Article 8 of the Declaration of Human Rights and Citizen of 1789;
4. Whereas under Article 8 of the 1789 Declaration: "The law should establish only penalties strictly and evidently necessary, and no one
can be punished only by a law established and promulgated before the offense and legally applied "the principle of individualization of
sentences arising from this article implies that taking the trouble the ban to be registered as a voter and the inability to exercise a public
office that results do can be applied if the judge specifically ordered, taking into account the circumstances of each case;
5. Whereas the prohibition of entry on the electoral list imposed by Article L. 7 of the Election Code in particular aims to punish more
severely certain acts when committed by persons vested with public authority, charged with a public service mission or holding an
elective public, it carries a disability exercising a public office for a period equal to five, it is a penalty in the nature of a punishment that
the deprivation of the right to vote is automatically attached to various convictions criminal without the judge decides that these measures
have to explicitly say, that neither may be varied in length, that although she may be, in whole or part, including immediately relieved of
this inability of the conditions specified in the second paragraph of Article 132-21 of the Penal Code, this possibility can not, in itself,
ensure compliance with the requirements deriving from the principle of individualization of sentences, as a result, the Article L. 7 of the
electoral code ignores this principle and should be declared unconstitutional;
6. Considering that the repeal of Article L. 7 of the Election Code allows interested parties to request, from the date of publication of this
decision, their immediate registration on the electoral roll in the manner provided by law,
Decides:
Art. 1
Section L. 7 of the Election Code is declared unconstitutional.
Art. 2
This decision will be published in the Official Gazette of the French Republic and notified in accordance with Article 23-11 of the
ordinance of November 7, 1958 referred to above.
Deliberated by the Constitutional Council in its meeting of June 10, 2010, attended by Mr. Jean-Louis Debre, President, MM. Jacques
Barrot, Guy Canivet, Michel Charasse, Jacques Chirac, Denoix de Saint Marc Renaud, Jacqueline de Guillenchmidt MM. Hubert Haenel
and Peter Steinmetz.
Click here to read more »
Decision No. 2010-6/7 QPC 11 June 2010
(Mr. Stéphane Artano AND OTHERS)
The Constitutional Council has received 7 May 2010 by the Supreme Court (Case No. 12006 and No. 12007 of May 7, 2010), in
accordance with Article 61-1 of the Constitution, a priority issue of constitutionality raised, respectively, by Drs. Stéphane Artano and
Marc Plantegenest and Mr. Francis Hermitte concerning compliance with Article L. 7 of the electoral code of rights and freedoms
guaranteed by the Constitution.
The Constitutional Council Pursuant to the Constitution;
Considering Ordinance No. 58-1067 of 7 November 1958 on the Organic Law on the Constitutional Council;
Having regard to the Electoral Code, particularly Article L. 30;
Having regard to the penal code;
Considering Law No. 95-65 of January 19, 1995 on the financing of political life;
Given the resolution of 4 February 2010 on the procedure before the Constitutional Council for priority issues of constitutionality;
Having produced for the comments by Mr. Hermitte Ortscheidt CPA, attorney to the State Council and the Court of Cassation, recorded
May 14, 2010;
Given the comments of Mr. Plantegenest produced by Patrick Tabet, Bar of Paris and around the courts of Saint Pierre and Miquelon,
recorded May 19, 2010;
Having produced for the comments by Mr. Artano SELARL Flécheux and Associates, a lawyer in Paris, recorded May 20, 2010;
Given the observations produced by the prime minister, recorded May 20, 2010;
Seen the new observations for Mr. Plantegenest produced by Patrick Tabet, recorded May 26, 2010;
Considering the documents produced and attached to records;
Xavier Flécheux for Mr. Artano, Ms. Virginia Colin, Mr. Plantegenest, Mr. Jerome Ortscheidt for Hermitte Mr. and Mrs. Sophie Rimeu,
designated by the Prime Minister, having been heard at the public hearing on June 2, 2010 ;
The rapporteur has been heard;
1. Whereas the two questions forwarded by the Supreme Court dealing with the same statutory provision, it must therefore be joined to
respond with a single decision;
2. Whereas under Article L. 7 of the Electoral Code: "Must not be registered on the electoral roll for a period of five years from the date
on which the conviction becomes final, persons convicted of an offense under sections 432 - 10 to 432-16, 433-1, 433-2, 433-3 and
433-4 of the Penal Code or for the offense of concealment of any of these offenses, as defined by articles 321-1 and 321-2 of Penal
Code ";
3. Whereas, according to the applicants, these provisions violate the principles of necessity and the individualization of sentences
guaranteed by Article 8 of the Declaration of Human Rights and Citizen of 1789;
4. Whereas under Article 8 of the 1789 Declaration: "The law should establish only penalties strictly and evidently necessary, and no one
can be punished only by a law established and promulgated before the offense and legally applied "the principle of individualization of
sentences arising from this article implies that taking the trouble the ban to be registered as a voter and the inability to exercise a public
office that results do can be applied if the judge specifically ordered, taking into account the circumstances of each case;
5. Whereas the prohibition of entry on the electoral list imposed by Article L. 7 of the Election Code in particular aims to punish more
severely certain acts when committed by persons vested with public authority, charged with a public service mission or holding an
elective public, it carries a disability exercising a public office for a period equal to five, it is a penalty in the nature of a punishment that
the deprivation of the right to vote is automatically attached to various convictions criminal without the judge decides that these measures
have to explicitly say, that neither may be varied in length, that although she may be, in whole or part, including immediately relieved of
this inability of the conditions specified in the second paragraph of Article 132-21 of the Penal Code, this possibility can not, in itself,
ensure compliance with the requirements deriving from the principle of individualization of sentences, as a result, the Article L. 7 of the
electoral code ignores this principle and should be declared unconstitutional;
6. Considering that the repeal of Article L. 7 of the Election Code allows interested parties to request, from the date of publication of this
decision, their immediate registration on the electoral roll in the manner provided by law,
Decides:
Art. 1
Section L. 7 of the Election Code is declared unconstitutional.
Art. 2
This decision will be published in the Official Gazette of the French Republic and notified in accordance with Article 23-11 of the
ordinance of November 7, 1958 referred to above.
Deliberated by the Constitutional Council in its meeting of June 10, 2010, attended by Mr. Jean-Louis Debre, President, MM. Jacques
Barrot, Guy Canivet, Michel Charasse, Jacques Chirac, Denoix de Saint Marc Renaud, Jacqueline de Guillenchmidt MM. Hubert Haenel
and Peter Steinmetz.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
AGREEMENT ON FREE TRADE BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN UNION AND CANADA
REPLY TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE BURDEN OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS,
Pierre Lellouche,
A QUESTION OF NEWS
THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
(Paris, July 21, 2009)
Madam, you are quite right to stress the importance of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, and I thank you. The French islands that you
represent in this Assembly is to use your term, "a piece of France and Europe off Canada, which was indeed destined to become the
bridgehead of the European Union its relations with Canada also participates fully in the maritime vocation of France, has recalled a few
days ago just the president's speech of Havre.
I therefore on behalf of the Government to reassure you and tell you that the concerns of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon are actually taken
into consideration, whether handling of the case of the continental shelf Franco-Canadian or the ongoing negotiation of the Agreement on
Free Trade between the EU and Canada.
On the first point, France has lodged last May 8 in New York, request an extension of its continental shelf. I take this opportunity, and
that the presence of a Canadian delegation to remind that the French government strongly encourages Canada to ratify as soon as
possible the 2005 treaty on the exploitation of hydrocarbon fields border - the France l 'made in 2007.
As for relations between the EU and Canada, their capacity has been decided last year, during the French presidency. Negotiations began
last month. They will demonstrate a balanced and respect, I hope, the interests of Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
Allow me finally to recognize the efforts made by the Government to promote the economic development of our archipelago.
The joint committee will meet this fall at home. We expect concrete results.
Click here to read more »
AGREEMENT ON FREE TRADE BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN UNION AND CANADA
REPLY TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE BURDEN OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS,
Pierre Lellouche,
A QUESTION OF NEWS
THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
(Paris, July 21, 2009)
Madam, you are quite right to stress the importance of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, and I thank you. The French islands that you
represent in this Assembly is to use your term, "a piece of France and Europe off Canada, which was indeed destined to become the
bridgehead of the European Union its relations with Canada also participates fully in the maritime vocation of France, has recalled a few
days ago just the president's speech of Havre.
I therefore on behalf of the Government to reassure you and tell you that the concerns of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon are actually taken
into consideration, whether handling of the case of the continental shelf Franco-Canadian or the ongoing negotiation of the Agreement on
Free Trade between the EU and Canada.
On the first point, France has lodged last May 8 in New York, request an extension of its continental shelf. I take this opportunity, and
that the presence of a Canadian delegation to remind that the French government strongly encourages Canada to ratify as soon as
possible the 2005 treaty on the exploitation of hydrocarbon fields border - the France l 'made in 2007.
As for relations between the EU and Canada, their capacity has been decided last year, during the French presidency. Negotiations began
last month. They will demonstrate a balanced and respect, I hope, the interests of Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
Allow me finally to recognize the efforts made by the Government to promote the economic development of our archipelago.
The joint committee will meet this fall at home. We expect concrete results.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Mobilization should remain strong until the tabling of the letter of intent to claim our rights.
Elected officials will be vigilant as to its content.
10 March 09
Continental Shelf
Another group in Metropolis
In an email sent to the Mayor of Saint-Pierre, the Councilors, and our editorial associations Memory overseas and Saint Pierre and
Miquelon Britain have informed us of the existence of a collective Metropole "Defense of the Continental Shelf Saint Pierre and Miquelon
(1) Métropole supports the group already established in the Archipelago. We quote .. "The associations above and the group below, give
their fullest support the group formed in Saint Pierre and Miquelon, elected officials and all those defending the right of a people living on
its land and resources thereof in its environment.
- Considering that approximately 6 000 inhabitants of this small archipelago did not become victims financial considerations occurring at
these two great countries that are the France and Canada;
- Considering the rights and duty to his country to defend its citizens;
- Considering that past activities have contributed greatly to the development of Motherland, mostly coastal ports on the Atlantic
coastline;
- Considering that the last two wars many of these people have committed volunteers and in large quantities to defend France, leaving
the life many of them;
- Considering that France, when it was agreed in New York, badly defended this Archipelago and resources allowing its inhabitants to
live in dignity on thisFrench territory:
- They believe that France can not now that accessing this legitimacy inhabitants of this archipelago of wanting to live in dignity on the
territory belonging to the Motherland and they must soon draw to the certainty that can be achieved, initially, by the firm and written
confirmation of deposit
This letter of intent to defend the continental shelf of the archipelago with organization accredited to the west. N.U
Continental Shelf "France, we do Brade not! "
Study Group on the islands of North America. The MPP Annick Girardin has participated March 3 at the last meeting in the Assembly
National Study Group on the islandsof North America. Parliamentarians have "agreed on the usefulness of a trip St. Peter's to present the
case population and mobilize. This trip could take place "at the same time that the meeting of regional cooperation, combining institutional
and socio-professional Canada, in April. The French MPs seize this opportunity to "reaffirm that it is not Canada to oppose but to defend
our rights. "
One of Deputies, Paul Giacobbi, President General Council of Haute-Corse, proposed in turn, to "meet the president Total, Christophe de
Margerie, to devel-cate with him the French oil interests related to the extension of the continental shelf. Members of the group of
studies also decided:
❚ From the sending of a letter from the President group to Prime Minister Francois Fillon.
❚ In consultation with the competent administrator of the Foreign Affairs Committee on the functioning of the Commission the Limits of
Continental Shelf.
❚ In the study of this issue by the Council National Coastal.
❚ In the meeting with the Secretary-General Sea, Jean-Francois Tallec, former Prefect of the Archipelago.
Click here to read more>>
Mobilization should remain strong until the tabling of the letter of intent to claim our rights.
Elected officials will be vigilant as to its content.
10 March 09
Continental Shelf
Another group in Metropolis
In an email sent to the Mayor of Saint-Pierre, the Councilors, and our editorial associations Memory overseas and Saint Pierre and
Miquelon Britain have informed us of the existence of a collective Metropole "Defense of the Continental Shelf Saint Pierre and Miquelon
(1) Métropole supports the group already established in the Archipelago. We quote .. "The associations above and the group below, give
their fullest support the group formed in Saint Pierre and Miquelon, elected officials and all those defending the right of a people living on
its land and resources thereof in its environment.
- Considering that approximately 6 000 inhabitants of this small archipelago did not become victims financial considerations occurring at
these two great countries that are the France and Canada;
- Considering the rights and duty to his country to defend its citizens;
- Considering that past activities have contributed greatly to the development of Motherland, mostly coastal ports on the Atlantic
coastline;
- Considering that the last two wars many of these people have committed volunteers and in large quantities to defend France, leaving
the life many of them;
- Considering that France, when it was agreed in New York, badly defended this Archipelago and resources allowing its inhabitants to
live in dignity on thisFrench territory:
- They believe that France can not now that accessing this legitimacy inhabitants of this archipelago of wanting to live in dignity on the
territory belonging to the Motherland and they must soon draw to the certainty that can be achieved, initially, by the firm and written
confirmation of deposit
This letter of intent to defend the continental shelf of the archipelago with organization accredited to the west. N.U
Continental Shelf "France, we do Brade not! "
Study Group on the islands of North America. The MPP Annick Girardin has participated March 3 at the last meeting in the Assembly
National Study Group on the islandsof North America. Parliamentarians have "agreed on the usefulness of a trip St. Peter's to present the
case population and mobilize. This trip could take place "at the same time that the meeting of regional cooperation, combining institutional
and socio-professional Canada, in April. The French MPs seize this opportunity to "reaffirm that it is not Canada to oppose but to defend
our rights. "
One of Deputies, Paul Giacobbi, President General Council of Haute-Corse, proposed in turn, to "meet the president Total, Christophe de
Margerie, to devel-cate with him the French oil interests related to the extension of the continental shelf. Members of the group of
studies also decided:
❚ From the sending of a letter from the President group to Prime Minister Francois Fillon.
❚ In consultation with the competent administrator of the Foreign Affairs Committee on the functioning of the Commission the Limits of
Continental Shelf.
❚ In the study of this issue by the Council National Coastal.
❚ In the meeting with the Secretary-General Sea, Jean-Francois Tallec, former Prefect of the Archipelago.
Click here to read more>>
| Click map for larger view |
| Click flag for Country Report |
Nicolas Sarkozy
President of France since 16 May 2007
President of France since 16 May 2007
Represented by
Jean-Pierre Bercot
Prefect since 28 July 2008
Jean-Pierre Bercot
Prefect since 28 July 2008
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
