2022 SEJM RESOLUTION

The Sejm Resolution of 14 September 2022

The text from the Sejm Resolution is reproduced below. You can find the original press release here at Sejm.gov.pl here. 

You can download the English version of the Resolution here,and the Polish version here.

Resolution of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland of September 14, 2022 on seeking compensation by Poland for damage caused by Germany during World War II

The Sejm of the Republic of Poland: 

1) referring to the Resolution of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland of 10 September 2004 on Poland's rights to German war reparations and on the unlawful claims against Poland and Polish citizens made in Germany,

2) guided by the highest values in interpersonal relations, which include justice and truth  

- calls upon the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany to assume unequivocally its political, historical, legal and financial responsibility for all the consequences caused in the Republic of Poland and to Polish citizens by the unleashing of World War II by the Third German Reich.

The German aggression, occupation of Poland by Germany and systemic genocide caused great harm, suffering, and material and non-material losses. The atrocities of the German occupation against human beings took various forms: enslavement, forced labour, abduction of children, mutilation, rape and murder of children, women and men - citizens of the Republic of Poland. The traces of genocide and war crimes were also obliterated.

The Republic of Poland has never received compensation for the personal and material losses caused by the German state. Nor has it ever received payment for the immensity of the injustices inflicted on Polish citizens.  

The Sejm of the Republic of Poland declares that the Polish State, duly represented, has never waived its claims against the German state. The statement that these claims have been validly withdrawn or are time-barred has no moral or legal basis. The injustice of millions of Poles will cry out until it is fairly repaired.

Many recognised experts have made an effort to estimate the losses suffered due to the German aggression against Poland in 1939-1945. The prepared report is a starting point for appropriate bilateral talks, which should be concluded with a proper response from the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany that meets the requirements of justice and truth.

The Sejm of the Republic of Poland states that Poland has not yet received adequate financial compensation and redress for the material and non-material losses suffered by the Polish State during World War II as the result of the aggression of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. These losses require the necessary estimate to be determined and provided as a basis for taking appropriate action against the Russian Federation. Moreover, adequate compensation is necessary for the enormity of the harm inflicted on Polish citizens. The occupation of the Second Polish Republic territories by the USSR resulted not only in the suffering caused by repression and deportations to Siberia of thousands of people but also in the mass murder of Polish citizens - genocide, including the Katyń Massacre.

MARSHAL OF THE SEJM  

Elżbieta Witek