France should repay billions of dollars to Haiti to cover a debt formerly enslaved people were forced to pay in return for recognising the island’s independence, according to a coalition of civil society groups that is launching a new push for reparations.
The Caribbean island state became the first in the region to win its independence in 1804 after a revolt by enslaved people. But in a move that many Haitians blame for two centuries of turmoil, France later imposed harsh reparations for lost income and that debt was only fully repaid in 1947.
The group of about 20 non-governmental organisations currently in Geneva for a UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (PFPAD) are seeking a new independent commission to oversee the restitution of the debt, which they refer to as a ransom.
They say the money should go to public works in Haiti where a transition council was installed this month in an effort to restore security after a period of devastating violence by armed groups.
“What’s important is that it’s time that France recognises this and we move forward,” Monique Clesca, a Haitian civil society activist who is coordinating the efforts, told Reuters.
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Why Haitian Independence should be important to Black people around the world
January 1, 1804
January 1, 1804
On this day we celebrate defeating Napoleon’s army, affirming our freedom and establishing the first free Black nation on in the western hemisphere.
L’Union Fait La Force
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Also, since it’s Haitian Independence Day…
My Cash App is $JulieeDaffodil.
Get to work.
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Haiti gained independence from France (National Day) on January 1, 1804.
Haitian Independence Day
Celebrating the triumphant moment when a nation broke free, inspiring hope, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Many people don’t realize the importance of this day for several countries all over the world who celebrate their independence on the first day of each year. One important country to recognize this day as their birthday is the island nation of Haiti. Get ready to join in on celebrating Haitian Independence Day!
History of Haitian Independence Day
Haiti became a free republic on the first day of January in 1804, after a revolution that had occurred over the previous fifteen years, fighting for freedom from France. This important event in the history of the country declared independence for the people of Haiti and ensured freedom from colonial rule.
The story of Haiti’s independence is particularly important because this was the first country to be founded by former slaves, and it was also the first nation in the western hemisphere to abolish slavery!
Taking place on New Year’s Day, Haitian Independence Day, is celebrated throughout the country with various traditions, one of which is a pumpkin soup called soupe joumou. Other celebrations include parties, music and festivities.
How to Celebrate Haitian Independence Day
Show some appreciation for this unique nation located in the Caribbean islands by getting involved with the celebration of Haitian Independence Day! Check out some of these ideas for getting started:
Learn Interesting Facts about Haiti
One excellent way to get involved with and celebrate Haitian Independence Day would be to learn a bit more about the country through some trivia or fun facts. This could also be a great way for teachers or parents to provide some background information and education when helping their children learn about geography, social studies and much more.
Get started by learning and sharing a few of these facts about Haitian Independence Day:
The Republic of Haiti shares an island with the Dominican Republic, and the name of the entire island that the two share is Hispaniola.
Haiti is made up of a series of breathtaking mountainous landscapes, so everyone in the country is either on a mountain or can see one.
Like many Caribbean island nations, the people of Haiti enjoy food that is very spicy, including goat pepper, vinegar, and various locally grown hot, hot, hot spices.
Haiti has two national languages, both French and Haitian Creole. But French is considered to be a “high” language by many, so the commoners usually use Haitian Creole, with more than 95% of people who are fluent in this language.
Visit Haiti
An incredible option for celebrating Haitian Independence Day might be to plan a trip to visit this interesting island country. And even though the day is celebrated in January, the country of Haiti boasts summer weather all year round, so be sure to pack that bathing suit for taking a swim in the ocean.
Other activities to enjoy might include hiking, cave exploration, beach adventures and more. Though tourists should certainly do their homework and travel only in safe places in Haiti, the island offers unique and interesting cultural experiences that cannot be found anywhere else.
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HAPPY Haitian Independence day aka SOUP JOUMOU DAY to all my fellow haitians. 219 years ago, our ancestors fought for our freedom and our people became the 1st black country in the world to gain independence. I wear my haitian pride on my heart every single day. So proud to be Ayitienne. 🥹💙❤️🔥💙
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Soup Joumou
220 years of independence, a soup once forbidden to eat by the slaves who made it for their masters. The first of every year we celebrate a few different ways but always with a bowl of Soup Joumou.
My Mom has always made a huge batch to share, but this year I took over. Based by tradition, a few tweaks on technique but still made with all of the rebellious fire of those who came before me. 🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹
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On Haitian Flag Day, we must acknowledge the untold story of Haiti's struggle for independence. After gaining freedom in 1804, Haiti was forced to pay France reparations of over $150 million francs (equivalent to $22 billion today). This unjust burden hindered Haiti's development, resulting in limited investment in infrastructure, education, and quality of life. Remembering the sacrifices of Toussaint Louverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines, let us understand that Haiti's challenges stem from historical injustices, not just internal factors. On this day, let us not only view Haiti as a third-world country but as the first black nation to achieve independence and demonstrate to the world that liberty and justice were universal ideals. 🇭🇹 🇺🇸. #HaitianFlagDay
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