Governments Advance Restitution of Assets Seized During the Holocaust

The U.S Department of State and the World Jewish Restitution Organization (WJRO) hosted a meeting today of Holocaust issues envoys and their representatives to advance restitution and compensation for property looted during the Holocaust.  Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues Ellen Germain and Special Advisor to the Secretary of State on Holocaust Issues Stuart Eizenstat represented the United States at the meeting.  As this year is the 25th anniversary of the Washington Conference Principles on Nazi-Confiscated Art, governments and experts discussed means of reinforcing the principles and underscoring the urgency of resolving remaining property claims, whether held in public or private collections.

Participants heard from Luxembourg about implementation of its historic 2021 agreement on outstanding Holocaust-era property restitution issues.  Luxembourg’s agreement can serve as a model for other governments.

Envoys will continue to meet regularly to help resolve remaining restitution issues.

For more information on remaining restitution issues, see https://www.state.gov/reports/just-act-report-to-congress/.