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IKEA's Compensation for East German Forced Labor
IKEA to pay millions in compensation to victims of forced labor under East German regime.
Indonesian
Germany
Human Rights ViolationsGermany Human RightsLabour MarketCompensationCorporate ResponsibilityEast GermanyForced Labor
IkeaBundestagAldiOttoQuelle
Evelyn Zupke
- What is the purpose of the compensation fund?
- The fund aims to compensate victims of forced labor in East Germany who worked for Western companies like IKEA, Otto, Quelle and Aldi. The compensation will vary; some victims in East Germany already receive a monthly payment of 330 euros.
- How did East Germany use forced labor in its economy?
- East Germany used forced prison labor to generate foreign currency and support its planned economy. The Humboldt University in Berlin released a study documenting this exploitation, detailing the production of various goods by forced laborers for Western companies.
- What is the current status of compensation and the involvement of other companies?
- While some companies involved have expressed regret and condemned the practices, many, such as Aldi and Otto, have so far refused to provide compensation. The Bundestag still needs to approve the compensation fund by the end of the year.
- What is Evelyn Zupke's view on IKEA's contribution and her hopes for other companies?
- Evelyn Zupke, the federal commissioner for victims of East German dictatorship, praised IKEA's commitment and called for other companies like Aldi and Otto to participate in the compensation fund. She hopes to expand support to around 2,000 victims.
- How much money will IKEA contribute to the compensation fund for victims of forced labor in East Germany?
- IKEA will contribute around 6 million euros to a compensation fund for victims of forced labor under the former East German regime. This is a result of long discussions between IKEA and representatives of the victims.