04. März WHAT HAS THE UOKG ALREADY ACHIEVED IN RECOGNIZING THE CONSEQUENCES OF FORCED PRISON LABOR?

On January 30, 2025, the Bundestag voted on the amendment of the so-called SED Rehabilitation Act, and the Bundesrat approved it on February 14, 2025. Finally, the long-standing demands of the UOKG and its members are being implemented. In addition to many improvements for victims of SED injustice, the establishment of a nationwide hardship fund for SED victims at the Foundation for Victims of Political Persecution was decided. In the future, this fund can provide financial support for people who are particularly affected by the long-term consequences of imprisonment and forced labor.

As the first responsible corporation, IKEA announced in October 2024 the payment of 6 million euros into the hardship fund. In the GDR, political prisoners had to produce furniture for IKEA under forced labor conditions.