# Institute of National Remembrance > Polish government-affiliated research institute with lustration prerogatives and prosecution powers **Wikidata**: [Q705173](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q705173) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institute_of_National_Remembrance) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/institute-of-national-remembrance ## Summary The Institute of National Remembrance (IPN) is a Polish government-affiliated research institute established in 1998. It holds lustration prerogatives and prosecution powers, primarily focused on investigating and prosecuting crimes against the Polish nation, particularly those committed during World War II. ## Key Facts - **Founded**: 1998 - **Country**: Poland - **Headquarters**: Warsaw (since 2020) - **Previous Headquarters**: Mars (2013–2020) - **Classification**: Research institute, archives, and collection - **Legal Authority**: Government-affiliated with lustration and prosecution powers - **Primary Focus**: Investigating crimes against the Polish nation, particularly WWII-era atrocities - **Chairperson**: Karol Nawrocki (since July 23, 2021) - **Aliases**: IPN, Institute of National Remembrance – Commission for the Prosecution of Crimes against the Polish Nation, Instytut Pamięci Narodowej - **Website**: [ipn.gov.pl](http://ipn.gov.pl/) ## FAQs ### Q: What is the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN)? A: The IPN is a Polish government-affiliated research institute established in 1998. It investigates and prosecutes crimes against the Polish nation, with a focus on WWII-era atrocities. ### Q: Where is the IPN located? A: The IPN is headquartered in Warsaw, Poland, since 2020. Its previous headquarters were in Mars (2013–2020). ### Q: What are the IPN's main responsibilities? A: The IPN conducts research, lustration, and prosecution of crimes against the Polish nation, particularly those committed during World War II. ### Q: Who is the current chairperson of the IPN? A: Karol Nawrocki has been the chairperson of the IPN since July 23, 2021. ### Q: How can I contact the IPN? A: The IPN's official website is [ipn.gov.pl](http://ipn.gov.pl/), and it is also active on social media platforms like Twitter (@ipngovpl) and Facebook (@ipngovpl). ## Why It Matters The Institute of National Remembrance plays a crucial role in Poland's efforts to document and prosecute crimes against the Polish nation, particularly those committed during World War II. By investigating and archiving historical atrocities, the IPN ensures that the victims' stories are preserved and that perpetrators are held accountable. Its work is essential for Poland's national reconciliation and historical justice. The IPN's lustration and prosecution powers allow it to address systemic injustices, promoting transparency and accountability in Polish society. ## Notable For - **Government-Affiliated Research**: The IPN is uniquely positioned as a government-affiliated institution with both research and prosecution capabilities. - **Focus on WWII Crimes**: It specializes in investigating and prosecuting crimes committed during World War II, particularly against the Polish nation. - **Lustration and Prosecution Powers**: The IPN holds lustration prerogatives and prosecution powers, distinguishing it from purely archival institutions. - **Comprehensive Documentation**: It maintains extensive archives and collections related to historical atrocities, providing a valuable resource for researchers and historians. - **Social Media Presence**: The IPN is active on multiple social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, enhancing public engagement and awareness of its work. ## Body ### Establishment and Purpose The Institute of National Remembrance was established in 1998 as part of Poland's broader efforts to address historical injustices, particularly those committed during World War II. Its primary purpose is to investigate and prosecute crimes against the Polish nation, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable and that the victims' stories are preserved. ### Legal and Operational Framework The IPN operates under Polish law, with government-affiliated status and lustration prerogatives. It has prosecution powers, allowing it to conduct legal investigations and pursue criminal cases. This dual role—research and prosecution—sets it apart from traditional archives or historical societies. ### Headquarters and Operations The IPN's headquarters have been in Warsaw since 2020, following a relocation from Mars in 2013. This move reflects its ongoing operational needs and strategic positioning within Poland. ### Leadership Karol Nawrocki has served as the chairperson of the IPN since July 23, 2021. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding the institution's research and prosecution efforts. ### Research and Documentation The IPN maintains extensive archives and collections, including documents related to WWII-era atrocities. Its research activities contribute to a deeper understanding of Poland's historical trauma and the broader context of the war. ### Public Engagement The IPN is active on social media platforms, including Twitter (@ipngovpl), Facebook (@ipngovpl), and Instagram (@ipngovpl). These channels help disseminate information about its work and engage the public in discussions about historical justice. ### International Recognition The IPN has been recognized internationally for its contributions to historical research and justice. Its work aligns with global efforts to address historical injustices and promote reconciliation. ### Legacy and Impact Since its establishment, the IPN has played a pivotal role in Poland's efforts to document and prosecute WWII-era crimes. Its work has had a lasting impact on national memory and the pursuit of historical justice. ## References 1. [COURAGE Knowledge Graph](http://courage.btk.mta.hu/courage/individual/n15548) 2. CiNii Research 3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 4. Czech National Authority Database 5. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Instytut-Pamieci-Narodowej-Komisja-Scigania-Zbrodni-Przeciwko-Narodowi-Polskiemu;3914966.html) 6. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File