# Government threatens loss of funding to Oxfam over sex worker claims

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2018/02/12/government-threatens-loss-funding-oxfam-abuse-claims/
- Published: 2018-02-12T12:51:11+00:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt has warned Oxfam that it could
lose government funding over the allegations that some of the charity’s staff used
sex workers in Haiti in 2011.**

Criticising the charity for failing in its “moral leadership”, she told Andrew Marr
on BBC TV that the no charity could be a government partner if it did not “have 
the moral leadership to do the right thing”. Oxfam received nearly **£32 million**
in overseas aid funding from the UK government in the last financial year.

The claims resulted in four people being sacked and three resigning. Oxfam’s country
director Roland van Hauwermeiren was one of those who resigned “after admitting 
having prostitutes visit his Oxfam villa” according to The Times. Oxfam had 230 
staff in Haiti at the time, following the earthquake which had killed 22,000 people.

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Oxfam, which had worked in Haiti since 1978, announced its investigation on 5 August
2011 – the [BBC reported on it](http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-14514905)–
and on 5 September announced its outcome.
 

> The 2011 case of sexual misconduct by Oxfam staff in Haiti was horrific and devastating,
> then and now. But Oxfam didn't bury it. They investigated it, fired people, and
> went public that they had. It obviously goes against everything Oxfam stands for.
> [https://t.co/NGRsge9GJI](https://t.co/NGRsge9GJI)
> — Matthew Sherrington 💙🧡 (@m_sherrington) [February 10, 2018](https://twitter.com/m_sherrington/status/962278084446736384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

 The Times, however, [revived the story](https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/new-shame-for-oxfam-h5nq8lmfn)
on Friday and Saturday, adding allegations that Oxfam:

 * “covered up the scandal in Haiti”
 * “failed to warn aid agencies about [the] staff… allowing them to take jobs among
   vulnerable people in other disaster zones”
 * had not provided a full disclosure to the Charity Commission at the time

Oxfam has denied any cover-up. Dame Barbara Stocking, CEO of Oxfam in 2011, also
told the BBC “we didn’t hide anything”, adding that she had acted in a transparent
manner.
 

> “Was this the first time you ever heard of exploitative sexual behaviour going
> on at Oxfam?” [@maitlis](https://twitter.com/maitlis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) asks
> the former Oxfam boss Dame Barbara Stocking. Her reply? “No….” [#newsnight](https://twitter.com/hashtag/newsnight?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
> [pic.twitter.com/ZpzzAEuvKb](https://t.co/ZpzzAEuvKb)
> — BBC Newsnight (@BBCNewsnight) [February 9, 2018](https://twitter.com/BBCNewsnight/status/962096863070441473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

 The [Charity Commission has asked Oxfam](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/charity-commission-statement-on-oxfam)
for more details. A spokesman said “Our approach to this matter would have been 
different had the full details reported been disclosed to us at the time”.

Oxfam’s senior staff have met with the International Development Secretary this 
morning to discuss the allegations and provide further details.
 

 

## Further allegations

The story continues to dominate headlines today, with claims in The Times by Priti
Patel MP, who ran the Department for International Development until last November,
had raised concerns about other sexual abuse within the overseas aid sector but 
that these had not been followed up by officials.  She claimed “predatory paedophiles”
had infiltrated charities.

The [Observer yesterday reported](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/10/oxfam-faces-allegations-staff-paid-prostitutes-in-chad)
claims that Oxfam workers in Chad had also used sex workers in 2006. Roland van 
Hauwermeiren was country director in Chad at that time.

Other charities have also been named in the developing story:

> SUNDAY TIMES: Charities reel as 120 accused of sexual abuse [#tomorrowspaperstoday](https://twitter.com/hashtag/tomorrowspaperstoday?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
> [pic.twitter.com/r2RMkBTt1d](https://t.co/r2RMkBTt1d)
> — Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) [February 10, 2018](https://twitter.com/hendopolis/status/962446868302172162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

 But the questions raised by the scandal go beyond just charities. The Charity 
Commission and DFiD are being called on by some to justify their actions or lack
of them.  

> I warned Shawcross that safeguarding was more important to CC than his clampdown
> on muslim charities. Did they act on this? Seems not?
> — Sir Stephen Bubb (@BubbCeo) [February 11, 2018](https://twitter.com/BubbCeo/status/962612755932024833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> In 2014 Charity Com all over Oxfam for a poverty tweet they didn't like: now trying
> to cover up inaction on safeguarding? Priorities?
> — Sir Stephen Bubb (@BubbCeo) [February 11, 2018](https://twitter.com/BubbCeo/status/962692807227072513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## ⏎  Oxfam’s response

Oxfam’s current CEO Mark Goldring denied that it had covered up the allegations 
or its inquiry. He [told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme](http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09r3241):“
We were very open with the public that we were ashamed of the behaviour of our staff.
We still are.”

He acknowledged that with hindsight “I would much prefer that we had talked about
sexual misconduct.”

[Oxfam’s first statement](https://www.oxfam.org.uk/media-centre/press-releases/2018/02/oxfam-response-to-the-times-story)
on the allegations, on Friday, stated: “The behaviour of some members of Oxfam staff
uncovered in Haiti in 2011 was totally unacceptable, contrary to our values and 
the high standards we expect of our staff.

“Our primary aim was always to root out and take action against those involved and
we publicly announced, including to media, both the investigation and the action
we took as a result.”
 

> We have not and would not provide a positive reference for any of those who were
> dismissed or resigned as a result of the Haiti case. [https://t.co/341NsNRLhF](https://t.co/341NsNRLhF)
> — Oxfam International (@Oxfam) [February 10, 2018](https://twitter.com/Oxfam/status/962351742410256385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

 It answered criticisms over reporting the allegations to Haitian police, stating:“
The legal advice we received in Haiti was that given the nature of the allegations,
especially with the continued upheaval and chaos post the earthquake, it was extremely
unlikely that reporting these incidents to the police would lead to any action being
taken.”

It added that “Oxfam Trustees, the Charity Commission and DFID, as well as other
major donors of our Haiti work including the EU, WHO and UN agencies, were kept 
informed of the investigation and its outcome.” It also reported that “the Charity
Commission confirmed that Oxfam had taken appropriate action and that it therefore
had “no regulatory concerns”.”

On Saturday the charity explained the actions it took following its 2011 inquiry.

> Press Release: Oxfam commits to improvements in aftermath of Haiti reports [https://t.co/D6veANnnlh](https://t.co/D6veANnnlh)
> — Oxfam News Team (@oxfamgbpress) [February 11, 2018](https://twitter.com/oxfamgbpress/status/962691296426151937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

 It stated: “After the investigation in 2011 we carried out a thorough review of
the case, which resulted in the creation of our dedicated safeguarding team, a confidential‘
whistleblowing’ hotline and safeguarding contact point within countries as part 
of a package of measures to ensure that we do all we can to protect our staff, prevent
sexual abuse and misconduct happening in the first place, and improve how we handle
any allegations.”

In 2011 the charity’s code of conduct prohibited sex with beneficiaries and anyone
under 18. That was subsequently expanded to state: “I will also not exchange money,
offers of employment, employment, goods or services for sex or sexual favours.”

Caroline Thomson, the charity’s chair of trustees, yesterday announced [new measures](https://www.oxfam.org.uk/media-centre/press-releases/2018/02/oxfam-commits-to-improvements-in-aftermath-of-haiti-reports#r7erlfOTKMV6KpMO.02)
that the charity was taking to enhance further safeguarding within Oxfam.
 

> Bond statement on sexual misconduct reports in the sector [https://t.co/kba2fiI0IX](https://t.co/kba2fiI0IX)
> — Bond (@bondngo) [February 11, 2018](https://twitter.com/bondngo/status/962670939430379520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

 BOND, the UK network for organisations working in international development, added
its comments on the reports. It stated that the actions reported were “completely
deplorable and contrary to the values and high standards the development and humanitarian
sector is rightly expected to adhere to.”

At the same time it argued: “we cannot allow the actions of a few to undermine the
incredible work charities do to provide shelter, food and healthcare in some of 
the most difficult environments in the world, and often at desperate times for the
world’s poorest people. These organisations are often the only lifeline for people
facing conflict, climate change and extreme poverty.” 

Save the Children’s Chief Executive, Kevin Watkins, has also announced that the 
charity, will be [reviewing its safeguarding procedures](https://blogs.savethechildren.org.uk/2018/02/protecting-children-important-thing/).

## Haiti’s response

Bocchit Edmond, Haiti’s ambassador in London, has criticised Oxfam for not sharing
its findings with the Haitian authorities and called for it to apologise. He said:“
I think Oxfam should look into itself deeply if they want to rebuild that trust 
they had.”
 

## Supporters’ response

The Times’ report has generated international criticism of Oxfam for its handling
of the scandal. The impact on supporters and their willingness to continue supporting
the charity is yet to be seen.

James Daunt, MD of corporate partner Waterstones, said “I expect Oxfam to give a
full and frank explanation, and if there is something to apologise for, to apologise.”

Others gave more forthright support for the charity and the values that these individuals
have traduced. Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever, tweeted:
 

> More than ever we need to support organisations like [@oxfamgb](https://twitter.com/oxfamgb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
> [@Oxfam](https://twitter.com/Oxfam?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) for their incredible work
> to help address poverty. Doing heroic job in very difficult places.Should not 
> be undermined by a few individuals nor sensational press.Full support needed [@Unilever](https://twitter.com/Unilever?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
> [@Mark_Goldring1](https://twitter.com/Mark_Goldring1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
> — Paul Polman (@PaulPolman) [February 10, 2018](https://twitter.com/PaulPolman/status/962389791340974081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

 Other supporters reaffirmed their support: 

> Oxfam 1: whatever the sins of a small minority of employees, the government should
> not be allowed to destroy Oxfam which has done overwhelming good in this world.
> I have been a regular donor for more than 20 years and will remain so.
> — Chris Mullin (@chrismullinexmp) [February 11, 2018](https://twitter.com/chrismullinexmp/status/962814628144218112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

 The Guardian is asking for [Oxfam supporters’ reactions](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/12/how-has-recent-news-affected-oxfam-donations-where-you-are-tell-us)
to the allegations. 

## “Sensational press”

The reference to a sensational press was one of various attempts to put the coverage
and the government’s reaction to it in a broader context.

The UK spends £13 billion a year on overseas aid, and is committed to contributing
0.7% of its gross national income on this work.

The overseas aid budget is criticised by various political groups, particularly 
so against the background of Brexit and continuing austerity.

Indeed, The Times’ first front page story on the Oxfam scandal appeared on the same
day that The Daily Express’ front page called for overseas aid to be slashed. MP
Jacob Rees-Mogg was depicted handing in a petition to 10 Downing Street asking the
government to “stop the foreign aid madness”.
 

![Daily Express and The Times - front pages on 9 February 2018](https://wfay6x.infiniteuploads.
cloud/2018/02/IMG_5804-e1518438162902.jpg)

_Another context for The Times’ Oxfam story?_

 The government’s focus on criticising and investigating overseas aid charities
also risks skewing the focus on how abusers might target any charity or organisation
where they gain access to vulnerable people, including those in the UK. [Third Sector reported](https://www.thirdsector.co.uk/national-autistic-society-admits-failed-residents-care-home/management/article/1456799)
on one such case.

Indeed, Oxfam has long been active on developing policies and practice around [accountability and transparency](https://policy-practice.oxfam.org.uk/our-approach/accountability-and-transparency).
The need for focus and action in this area was highlighted by the Charity Commission
which as recently as December 2017 called for greater attention by charities on 
the issue of [safeguarding](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/regulatory-alert-to-charities-safeguarding).

 https://twitter.com/KateSayer1/status/962261216633683968

 Save the Children’s Chief Executive Kevin Watkins also [puts the criticisms of Oxfam’s response in a broader context](https://blogs.savethechildren.org.uk/2018/02/protecting-children-important-thing/).
He blogged: “The issues raised by the Haiti episode fit a broader pattern. Our societies
have a systemic problem associated with male abuse of power. Sexual harassment and
sexual violence are symptoms of a wider disease that has invaded our institutions–
from schools, churches, broadcasters to political parties. Now the spotlight is 
on the aid sector.”

Why did it take nearly seven years for this scandal to become front page news, despite
Oxfam’s efforts at transparency? Oxfam’s approach to social justice and poverty 
includes speaking truth to power. Just last month it highlighted wealth disparities
as part of the Davos meeting. 
 

> Personally I think that Oxfam should have referenced its recent campaign to tax
> the mega wealthy in this statement. It look on the rich and now finds itself in
> a media storm. Coincidence? Context is crucial. [https://t.co/vrDYrPphsj](https://t.co/vrDYrPphsj)
> — Andy Hillier (@andy_hillier) [February 10, 2018](https://twitter.com/andy_hillier/status/962220367837360128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

 NCVO’s Karl Wilding [blogged with his analysis](https://blogs.ncvo.org.uk/2018/02/11/oxfam-and-haiti-next-steps-for-charities/)
of the situation and dismissed these suggestions. He said: “Is the reporting an 
ideological attack, even if only in terms of the timing? I very much doubt it. More
likely is that this story follows other stories on abuse.”