Federal Council creates commission for looted art
Published: Wednesday, Nov 22nd 2023, 10:20
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The Federal Council creates a commission for Nazi and colonial looted art. The independent body of experts is to deal with the legally and ethically responsible handling of contaminated cultural heritage. With the commission, the state government is implementing a parliamentary mandate.
Dealing with historically contaminated cultural assets is an important goal of its cultural policy, as the Federal Council announced on Wednesday. It therefore supports the reappraisal of evidence of the past as well as fair and equitable solutions.
The independent commission of experts is to act as an advisor on contentious issues. Its recommendations are not binding. The regulation for the commission will come into force on January 1, 2024. Similar commissions already exist in Germany, Austria, France, the Netherlands and the UK.
During the National Socialist era, numerous cultural assets belonging to Jews were directly or indirectly expropriated. Such looted art also found its way to Switzerland.
Since the end of the Second World War, heirs have been asserting claims for compensation and restitution. This regularly gives rise to uncertainties and disputes. Communities of origin also demand restitution in the context of colonialism.
©Keystone/SDA
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