Overview

• A report highlights that 24 countries have made little to no progress in returning Nazi-looted art to rightful owners, despite endorsing the Washington Conference Principles in 1998.
• The U.S. State Department announces 'Best Practices' to enhance restitution efforts for Holocaust survivors and their families, marking the 25th anniversary of the Washington Principles.
• Recent cases show legal and financial barriers still hinder the return of looted art, with some pieces ending up in prominent museums and collections.
• Countries like Russia are accused of systematically stealing art from Ukraine, drawing parallels to Nazi plunder during World War II.
• The Best Practices aim to more precisely define Nazi-looted art and improve processes favoring rightful owners over current possessors.