This book describes the practical implementation of the German compensation program for Nazi-era forced labor. The program was the result of international negotiations between German companies, the governments of the US, Germany, and Central and Eastern European countries, and representatives. Written by authors who were directly involved in the implementation of the program, the publication provides an insider`s perspective of the compensation program for forced labor. It examines in detail the different stages of the program, such as deciding on eligibility criteria, setting up organizational structures, outreach, processing and verifying claims, establishing audit and controls processes, as well as the necessary steps to complete such a massive program. By illustrating why and how decisions were taken and how these affected later phases of the program, the authors hope to provide insights, knowledge, and inspiration for those involved in setting up or implementing reparations programs in the future.

Gunter Saathoff was the Co-Director of the EVZ Foundation from 2003 to 2017. As scientific advisor to the German Parliament he took part in the preparations of the Foundation Law as well as in other initiatives dealing with the acknowledgement and compensation of Nazi injustice and GDR injustice. In 2000, he became head of the compensation program, supervising the implementation of the payments and the cooperation with the partner organizations on behalf of the EVZ Foundation. In 2003, he was nominated Co-Director of the EVZ Foundation, which by then had widened its operations beyond the ongoing compensation of former forced laborers. Saathoff has worked for several non-governmental organizations and is the author of several publications. As an expert on the topic of historical injustice he has given many lectures abroad. He studied politics, sociology, law, and education.