The National Fund of the Republic of Austria for Victims of National Socialism was called into being with the Federal Law BGBl ("Federal Law Gazette") no. 432/1995 in 1995. Its task was to make so called gesture payments, as quickly and unbureaucratically as possible, to persons who had been victims of National Socialism in Austria between 1938 and 1945. Over the years, the National Fund evolved into a central point of contact for survivors of National Socialist injustice and as such was entrusted with further responsibilities. In 2001, the General Settlement Fund for Victims of National Socialism was established on the basis of the Washington Agreement in order to enable a comprehensive resolution to open questions of compensation for victims of National Socialism on the territory of the present day Republic of Austria. Both institutions pursue a common goal: The recognition of Austria's special responsibility towards the victims of the National Socialist regime. MORE National Fund of the Republic of Austria and General Settlement Fund for Victims of National Socialism
