Guidelines and Best Practices for Restitution

Terezin Declaration / Immovable Property Review Conference / ESLI

On June 9, 2010, 43 countries endorsed the Guidelines and Best Practices for the Restitution and Compensation of Immovable (Real) Property Confiscated or Otherwise Wrongfully Seized by the Nazis, Fascists and Their Collaborators during the Holocaust (Shoah) Era between 1933-1945, Including the Period of World War II.

WJRO played an active role in developing this document, which reaffirms the Terezin Declaration, identifies principles, and provides detailed rules for countries to apply in their property restitution legislation and claims processes.

“Noting the recent 65th anniversary of the end of WWII and defeat of Nazism and the subsequent end of persecution by Nazis, Fascists and their collaborators, we firmly believe that the formulation of the following guidelines and best practices marks a belated yet vital step in partially redressing the terrible wrongdoing resulting from the Holocaust (Shoah), and will be of profound and lasting significance”

“Our aim is especially to bring a measure of justice to Holocaust (Shoah) survivors as well as other victims of these persecutions, and their heirs”

The Guidelines and Best Practices acknowledge the immeasurable damage to individuals and communities from the confiscation of their properties and notes that the protection of property rights is “an essential component of democratic society and the rule of law.”

Relevant Materials

Guidelines and Best Practices for the Restitution and Compensation of Immovable (Real) Property Confiscated or Otherwise Wrongfully Seized by the Nazis, Fascists and Their Collaborators during the Holocaust (Shoah) Era between 1933-1945, Including the Period of World War II