The establishment of the Working Group on Historical Issues by the Ministries of Culture of both countries, which aims to resolve the issues of Polish-Ukrainian relations, associated with the right to a decent burial for victims of wars and repressions, is a success of the dialogue, which is based on openness.
The inaugural meeting of the Working Group took place in Lviv in December 2024. Both sides exchanged information about locations that, in the opinion of each side, require priority search and exhumation work, as well as additional attention. Thus, it was important for us to respond to the public expectations, especially those of families of war and repression victims. The range of issues discussed covered various historical periods and locations in both countries.
Currently, both sides are analysing the list, as well as reviewing status of previously submitted applications for search operations and exhumation permits. At the same time, existing legal frameworks are being reviewed for potential changes to simplify administrative procedures.
The Ukrainian side has already made the first positive decision to grant permission for exhumation work. The Polish side is also considering Ukrainian proposals.
The second meeting of the Working Group is scheduled for late January 2025 in Lviv. We are convinced that the further work of the Group and its results will demonstrate the readiness of both sides to honour the memory of the dead and the fallen – Poles on the territory of Ukraine and Ukrainians on the territory of Poland. This work will be carried out in a spirit of mutual respect, openness to dialogue and other values shared by both peoples.
Individuals, organisations, institutions and agencies involved in these processes are regularly informed of the status of specific stages of work agreed by the Working Group on Historical Issues. Communication with the public will focus on the results of the work and its completed stages.
