Establishment of an Independent Expert Commission and an Internal Inquiry Commission tasked respectively with a call for testimonies and an internal investigation

The Fondation Lëtzebuerger Kannerduerf today announced the establishment of an Independent Expert Commission. Composed of four experts, this commission was set up at the initiative of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, in consultation with the Executive Director. It will operate autonomously, impartially, and within a strict framework of confidentiality.

The Independent Expert Commission is tasked with assessing the existence, nature, and extent of any potential abuse, identifying the affected individuals, and analyzing any potential organizational dysfunctions. To this end, the Commission will soon launch a call for testimonies, the details of which will be provided at the appropriate time. This appeal will allow any concerned individual or witness to contact the Commission securely and confidentially. The Commission will examine the collected testimonies and establish the facts in the most thorough and objective manner possible, without replacing the judicial system.

To ensure the rigorous conduct of the mission, the Foundation’s Board of Directors has also established an Internal Inquiry Commission. As its name indicates, this Commission will conduct an internal investigation and compliance audit. It will examine the framework, processes, and practices currently in place at the Foundation to identify any potential shortcomings, weaknesses, or deficiencies. Where appropriate, it will formulate recommendations aimed at strengthening compliance, governance, and prevention. At the direction of the Independent Expert Commission, it will also conduct research to establish the factual elements necessary to verify the information received in the testimonies.

The work of the Independent Expert Commission and the Internal Inquiry Commission will culminate in a joint final report, written and signed by the members of both commissions, and submitted to the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Their mandate is set for a period of 12 months, extendable if necessary, with interim reports to be issued during the course of their work.

Vincent Franck, Chairman of the Board of Directors, stated: “Together with the General Management of the Fondation Lëtzebuerger Kannerduerf, we are taking the information brought to our attention, which had been reported to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, with the utmost seriousness. The decision to launch a call for testimonies and to establish an independent commission as well as an inquiry commission, is the logical consequence of our commitment to supporting the young people entrusted to our care and whom we have a duty to protect.”

Valérie Oberlé, Executive Director, added: “It is our daily responsibility to ensure a safe, demanding, and transparent environment for the children and young people entrusted to our care. The establishment of an Independent Expert Commission aligns with this requirement and aims to ensure that no question remains without careful and impartial examination.”

The Foundation reaffirms that the protection of those affected remains a priority. Those who come forward will be informed of existing support mechanisms and, depending on identified needs, appropriate psychological, medical, and social assistance will be offered. If any facts discovered involve a criminal offense, they will be reported to the Prosecutor’s Office in accordance with the legal framework. The Foundation reserves the right to take any necessary disciplinary measures against involved employees.

The Independent Expert Commission is composed of four members with recognized expertise in the judicial, legal, psychological, and medical fields, particularly in pediatrics.