Germany distributes two million euros to victims of east German forced labor

The German government and private companies provided approximately two million euros to victims of the SED dictatorship through a national hardship fund.

The SED victims' commissioner, Zupke, stated that the fund reached about 500 people. The money provides unbureaucratic assistance to individuals facing economic hardship, such as former political prisoners who performed forced labor in East German prisons. Many of these individuals live near the poverty line and suffer from health problems caused by past repression.

The fund covers medical costs for therapies, the creation of independent living spaces, and travel expenses for memorial events. Companies that profited from forced labor in the former German Democratic Republic (DDR) are encouraged to contribute to the fund. For example, the furniture company Ikea announced a payment of six million euros to the fund.