National Office for Veterans and Victims of War

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The National Office for Veterans and Victims of War (ONACVG) is a French government agency under the Ministry of the Armed Forces. Its job is to recognize and support veterans and victims of war, and to manage France’s policy on war memorials and remembrance. It also processes benefits, provides funding, and honors eligible people.

History in brief: The office began in 1916 as the National Office of Disabled and Discharged War Veterans. Over the years it merged with other veterans’ groups, and in 1946 it took over social services for prisoners, deportees and refugees and took its current name. Since 1991 it has also helped terrorism victims, and after the November 2015 Paris attacks its remit was expanded to cover terrorism victims.

Structure and leadership: ONACVG operates as an autonomous public establishment with delegates in every department. It is governed by a 40‑member board in four groups that set policy. The director general is Véronique Peaucelle-Delelis. The board chair is appointed by the Council of Ministers and there are representatives from assemblies and administrations, veterans and war victims, foundations and memorial/citizenship groups, and the staff.

Main tasks: The office processes applications for recognition and benefits, awards honors, and distributes funds and reparations to eligible people under the law.