National Assembly Highlights Urgent Need to Address Youth Inequalities in Overseas France

On April 2, 2026, Hugo Huet, president of the Council for Youth Policy Orientation, presented a significant report at the French National Assembly addressing the critical challenges faced by youth in Overseas French territories. The report, titled 'Les jeunes d’outre-mer, garantir l’égalité des chances pour tous', was adopted in July 2025 and published in September, and it underscores the pervasive social inequalities impacting young people in regions such as Guyane and Mayotte, where youth can constitute up to 50% of the population.

Huet emphasized a "structural and long-standing malaise" among young people in these territories, which stems from persistent inequalities and a lack of effective public policies to adequately support them. The report involved extensive consultations, drawing on testimonies from experts, institutional figures, overseas elected officials, economic actors, and notably, direct input from 2,650 young individuals living in these regions.

During the assembly session with overseas deputies, Huet confronted accusations that the French state has largely failed in its responsibility to ensure equality of opportunity for youth in these territories. The report's findings lay bare the depth of social challenges — highlighting that current government measures are insufficient to address the needs of young people who face significant obstacles related to education, employment, and social inclusion.

This presentation at the National Assembly marks an important step in raising political awareness and calls for renewed focus on comprehensive youth policies tailored to the unique realities of Overseas France. It serves as a stark reminder that without dedicated intervention, the socio-economic struggles of these youths risk deepening, threatening social cohesion in these critical regions.