Paris has kept compensation conditions for Algerian nuclear test victims unchanged, rejecting amendments designed to broaden eligibility. This decision means that the specific criteria for compensation related to French nuclear tests conducted in Algeria remain as they were, without any expansion of the geographical or temporal scope for eligibility. An amendment proposed by Senator Akli Mellouli, which sought to expand geographical conditions for compensation in Algeria, was not adopted. This rejection shows a consistent stance from the French government regarding the parameters for compensation in the Algerian context. From 2010 to 2025, France has disbursed approximately 108 million euros in compensation to victims of nuclear tests, benefiting 1,538 cases across all territories affected by its nuclear program.
Nuclear Testing Legacy
France conducted a total of 210 nuclear tests between 1960 and 1996, a significant number of which took place in its former colonial territories. Of these, 17 tests occurred in the Algerian Sahara between 1960 and 1966. The initial phase of testing in Algeria involved four atmospheric tests, which were carried out in the Reggane region of Algeria from 1960 to 1961. These atmospheric detonations were particularly controversial due to their widespread fallout. Following these, 13 underground tests took place in the In Ekker region between 1961 and 1966. The "Morin Law," enacted in 2010, formally recognized the right of individuals affected by French nuclear tests to receive compensation. This legislation established a framework for addressing the health and environmental consequences resulting from France's nuclear test program, acknowledging the long-term impacts on populations and the environment.
Stagnant Algerian Compensation
Despite the recognition of the need for compensation, Article 2 of the new bill does not alter the compensation conditions pertaining to French nuclear tests conducted in the Algerian Sahara. This means that the criteria for Algerian victims remain strictly defined and have not been expanded. Between 2010 and 2017, the percentage of accepted compensation files for nuclear test victims remained notably low, not exceeding 3%. This low acceptance rate notes the significant challenges applicants face in meeting the stringent eligibility requirements.
An investigative committee of the French National Assembly has recommended restoring the "logic of full state responsibility" and expanding the categories of beneficiaries for compensation. This recommendation suggests a departure from the current restrictive framework, advocating for a more inclusive approach to victim recognition. However, these recommendations have not been incorporated into the current legislative changes concerning Algeria.
Under current eligibility conditions, individuals who resided or were present at the Saharan military test center or its surrounding areas between February 13, 1960, and December 31, 1967, are eligible to apply. This specific timeframe and geographical limitation are key determinants for an application's success. Similarly, current conditions stipulate eligibility for individuals who resided or were present at the Oasis military test center and its adjacent areas between November 7, 1961, and December 31, 1967. These precise criteria have historically made it difficult for a large number of affected individuals to qualify for compensation. The recommendations from the National Assembly committee suggest a re-evaluation of these specific criteria to broaden access to compensation, acknowledging that the impact of the tests extended beyond these narrow definitions. The continued adherence to these unamended conditions for Algeria contrasts sharply with changes made for other affected territories.
Expanded French Polynesian Scope
In contrast to the situation in Algeria, the new French bill expanded the scope of compensation in French Polynesia. This expansion encompasses its entire territory for the period of atmospheric tests conducted between 1966 and 1974. This change significantly broadens the geographical criteria for eligibility within the islands, recognizing the widespread impact of atmospheric nuclear fallout across the archipelago. This represents a substantial shift in policy for French Polynesia, aimed at addressing a broader spectrum of those affected.
The legislation also introduced new categories of victims for French Polynesia. These include individuals considered "indirectly affected" by the tests and children born to pregnant women who were exposed to radiation. This aims to cover a wider range of individuals impacted by the nuclear program, acknowledging the intergenerational and broader community health consequences. This inclusion of indirect victims and children of exposed mothers reflects a more full understanding of the long-term health ramifications.
More than a thousand compensation files that had previously been dismissed for French Polynesia are now subject to re-examination under the updated criteria. This re-evaluation process could potentially lead to a significant increase in the number of compensated individuals in the territory, offering renewed hope to those whose claims were previously rejected. The contrast between the expanded eligibility for French Polynesia and the unchanged conditions for Algeria notes the divergent approaches taken by France regarding its nuclear testing legacy in different regions.
