Expressing a mix of emotions, Monti acknowledged the swiftness of time as she nears the end of her eight-year tenure. Reflecting on her experience, she emphasised the continuous learning curve inherent in the role of an ombudsman. However, Monti also recognised the importance of regular turnover in the position to prevent complacency.
Highlighting her priorities for the remaining period of her mandate, Monti outlined her desire to see improvements in various areas, including expanding the ombudsman’s authority, revising the Youth Protection Bill, addressing guardianships, and establishing a youth detention centre.
Addressing persistent societal challenges, Monti expressed concern about the housing shortage, stressing its impact on residents and underscoring the need for solutions that prioritise the welfare of all individuals, including refugees.
Discussing the evolving landscape of Luxembourg, Monti acknowledged that while the past may not have been without its challenges, present uncertainties in the labour market have heightened concerns. She noted shifts in job security and highlighted the increasing vulnerability of certain sectors to job losses, resulting in greater hardship for affected individuals.
Proposing potential solutions, Monti suggested empowering courts to refer cases to the ombudsman, particularly in light of prolonged court waiting times. She indicated positive feedback from the magistrate’s office regarding this proposal, signalling ongoing discussions on its feasibility.
Taxes constitute a significant area of concern for many individuals seeking assistance from the Ombudsman. Common enquiries pertain to issues such as late or incomplete tax submissions, as well as missed complaint deadlines. Critically, Ombudsman Monti highlighted the discrepancy in treatment between taxpayers and tax authorities regarding reassessment timelines, calling for legislative clarity in this regard.
The current caseload at the Ombudsman’s office is substantial, resulting in waiting periods of up to three weeks to a month for resolution. Monti stressed the necessity of prioritisation, citing urgent cases such as individuals awaiting pension payments. To address the workload, Monti revealed plans to increase staff numbers in the near future.
While acknowledging the benefits of digitalisation in streamlining processes, Monti expressed reservations about its implementation. She advocated for digitalisation to enhance efficiency and convenience while preserving the essential human element. In Monti’s view, the continued availability of in-person assistance through service counters remains crucial to ensuring accessibility and support for all individuals.
Claudia Monti also addressed concerns highlighted in her report on child and adolescent psychiatric centres, unveiled earlier this week. Monti expressed bewilderment at certain practices observed, including the use of restraining measures such as wrapping children in blankets and immobilising them facedown, involving up to three staff members. Criticising these methods as potentially traumatic and lacking therapeutic merit, Monti emphasised the need for a neutral expert assessment to evaluate their appropriateness.
Highlighting staffing shortages as a pressing issue in child and adolescent psychiatric centres, Monti called for political intervention to address this shortfall. She underscored the importance of ensuring sufficient staffing levels to facilitate essential activities, such as outdoor time, for the well-being of young patients. Monti acknowledged that psychiatric wards are particularly close to her heart since the people who are hospitalised there “are often overlooked.”
Reflecting on the Security Unit (UniSec) in Dreiborn, Monti noted significant improvements since her highly critical report two years ago, co-authored with Ombudsman for Children and Adolescents Charles Schmit. Additional staffing, with an emphasis on de-escalation techniques, has contributed to a more positive environment. Infrastructure repairs and revised operational approaches have further bolstered conditions. Despite initial concerns, Monti commended the director’s efforts, though she acknowledged ongoing areas for improvement.
Monti also highlighted the positive impact of the newly opened prison for remand prisoners in Sanem on conditions at Schrassig. Increased space has alleviated overcrowding, yet Monti stressed the need for continued improvements, particularly regarding facilities and opportunities for female inmates, including workshops and sports activities.
Calls for the expansion of the Ombudsman’s authority have persisted for the past 20 years. In particular, the mediators want to be able to look into cases involving private institutions such as retirement homes, sheltered workshops, or facilities for disabled individuals. Despite apparent support from policymakers, progress on this front has been sluggish, lamented Monti.
In a specific appeal directed towards Minister of Justice Elisabeth Margue, Claudia Monti urged expedited action on two critical fronts: the Youth Protection Bill and the establishment of a youth detention centre. With her mandate set to conclude in April 2025, Monti emphasised the importance of advancing these initiatives promptly to address pressing youth welfare concerns.
