UK Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust Issues: terms of reference

The government has published a document setting out the terms of reference for the role of UK Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust Issues.

Justification for the role and background

The UK Government has long been committed to international co-operation to promote education, remembrance and research about the Holocaust. In 2000, the UK was one of the founding signatories of the Stockholm Declaration on Holocaust Remembrance, which served as the founding document of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), through which we pledged that the terrible events of the Holocaust would remain forever seared in our collective memory.   

The role of UK Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust Issues supports the UK's commitment to the rule of law and human rights, internationalism and strengthened ties with Europe and other partners. It underlines HM Government's prioritisation of post-Holocaust issues, with a focal point in place to champion these issues around the world. The focus of the role is primarily international, with synergies with domestic issues. Many of our allies, including in Europe and the US, have similar envoys.  

At this critical juncture when Holocaust survivors and refugees are coming to the end of their lives and several post-Holocaust issues remain unresolved, a UK envoy will play an important role. They will drive a coherent and strategic approach to HMG's efforts on a range of post-Holocaust issues, including promoting Holocaust education, remembrance and research internationally and bringing justice and assistance to Holocaust victims and their families. 

The role 

The Special Envoy will:  

1. Promote HMG's policy on post-Holocaust issues internationally, including raising awareness of the importance of Holocaust remembrance, education and research, working with Ministers and officials to deliver HMG's international post-Holocaust issues policy objectives, and diplomacy, ensuring HMG continues to be a global leader in Holocaust remembrance, undertaking overseas travel as necessary.  

2. Work with international partners, other special envoys and experts on post-Holocaust issues to further Holocaust remembrance, education and research, including representing the UK in appropriate international fora:

(i) as Head of the UK Delegation to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).     

(ii) as Head of the UK Delegation to appropriate meetings of the International Tracing Service (ITS), including those related to the future role and governance of the ITS, to ensure the accessibility and preservation of the Arolsen Archive record of the Nazi era and its aftermath.  

(iii) at the annual meeting of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation.   

(iv) at the Special Envoys Meeting on Combatting Antisemitism (SECCA). 

3. Press for progress internationally on Holocaust-era property and art restitution issues, working with other special envoys and the World Jewish Restitution Organisation and the involvement of other Government departments and domestic stakeholders as necessary. Drive forward implementation of the Terezin Declaration, including through the implementation of the Washington Principles on Nazi-Confiscated Art and its associated best practice guidelines. Identify key opportunities for engagement with other governments to resolve ongoing claims issues, and encourage governments to make progress on restitution of Holocaust-era assets.  

4. Raise awareness of HMG's international action on post-Holocaust issues with domestic stakeholders, including the Jewish community.   

5. Represent the UK at Holocaust commemoration events both in the UK and internationally as necessary, including Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January. 

Timelines

6. In the first 12 months in the role, the individual should have: 

• represented the UK in Holocaust commemorations, including anniversary commemorations in the UK and across Europe as appropriate 

• regularly lobbied European states where there is no restitution process, to implement the Washington Principles on Nazi-Confiscated Art and its associated best practice guidelines

• undertaken 6 visits in support of HMG's post-Holocaust issues objectives

• engaged with domestic stakeholders, including within the Jewish community and in Parliament, to raise awareness of HMG's international action on post-Holocaust issues 

Profile

7. The successful individual will be a suitably experienced and senior figure, most likely with sufficient experience and understanding of post-Holocaust issues and engaging internationally. Knowledge of broader human rights and areas of intersection would also be desirable. 

Skills and experience required

8. The appointee will have: 

• subject matter expertise and experience of engaging internationally and sensitively managing potential areas of tension  

• credibility and influence with domestic and international stakeholders on post-Holocaust issues 

• time and willingness to travel overseas for key events and meetings

• experience in the field of human rights and an understanding of the historical political sensitivities relating to the Holocaust across Europe

Governance 

9. The Special Envoy is appointed by, and acts on behalf of, the Foreign Secretary, and will report to the Minister for Human Rights. Objectives for the Envoy will be agreed and reviewed with the Minister on an annual basis, with progress reports provided to the Minister on a 6-monthly basis, in addition to ad hoc reports on important issues arising (or following notable engagements as Special Envoy). Any written reports to the Minister for Human Rights should be sent to their Private Office and copied to the Foreign Secretary's office, Special Advisers Office and other relevant FCDO Ministerial offices.   

10. The Envoy will work closely with FCDO Ministers and other cross-Whitehall Ministers, including Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Ministers, and the Independent Adviser to the Government on Antisemitism as appropriate.  The Minister for Human Rights retains overall responsibility for the human rights file, whilst geographical ministers will continue to cover their respective areas as part of their engagement, conducting country visits, and representing the Government in Parliament. They will retain Ministerial responsibility for and oversight of this policy area, including international engagement and programming.    

11. The Envoy will be empowered to make day-to-day decisions which are in line with policy set by the Minister.  FCDO geographic and thematic policy desks, Heads of Mission, and other Whitehall departments as appropriate, should have the opportunity to feed into policy recommendations and offer advice on activities. Statements made on HMG's behalf should be approved by senior officials in FCDO Human Rights Department.  

12. The Envoy and the Minister for Human Rights will have regular meetings to consult on post-Holocaust issues, including stakeholder engagement, official visits and Parliamentary business.

Resourcing 

13. The role is non-renumerated. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) will be responsible for the coordination of policy advice, briefing and speeches for both domestic and international functions, and for providing day-to-day administrative support in line with an annually set budget. The FCDO's Human Rights Department, will provide geographical policy advice and support MHCLG in facilitating access to other teams across Whitehall and the Agencies.    

14. The FCDO will cover the cost and organisation of any domestic or international travel which it is agreed the Envoy (or Deputy) should undertake in order to carry out objectives set by the Minister for Human Rights, in line with an annually set budget.

Duration and remuneration

15. The appointment will be for the period of 18 months with a review point after one year.