Access to the Emmaus International and Abbé Pierre Archives

The Emmaus International and Abbé Pierre archives are accessible at the National Archives of the World of Work (ANMT) in Roubaix, France. They include approximately 330 linear metres.

In 2021, Emmaus International chose to place these private archives under the access system applicable to public archives, as provided by the Heritage Code.

The following timescales apply under this access system. 

These access periods aim to protect the privacy of the many people involved or mentioned in the archives.

Besides these rules, under an agreement made in 2021 between Emmaus International and the ANMT, some documents are also subject to an Emmaus International agreement from before access was made available. These documents relate to Abbé Pierre’s childhood and family, or may include private information about third parties.

However, since the Emmaus International and Abbé Pierre archives are private, Emmaus International may grant exceptions and authorise access to all its archives.

The Emmaus International and Abbé Pierre archives may be accessed in the reading room at the ANMT in Roubaix.

Emmaus International undertakes to share any document regarding the abuses committed by Abbé Pierre, while ensuring the individuals’ privacy is upheld. This will particularly be true for the Study Commission on the Abuses Committed by Abbé Pierre, chaired by Mrs. Céline Béraud and organised within the Ecole des hautes études en sciences sociales (EHESS), which will have full access to all the archives.

The creation of this commission testifies to the Movement’s unwavering commitment to truth, transparency and justice for victims of the abuses committed by Abbé Pierre.