Oxfam boss claims criticism of charity over sexual exploitation allegations is ‘out of proportion’

Tarnished image: Oxfam chief executive Mark Goldring
AFP
Chloe Chaplain17 February 2018

The chief executive of Oxfam has claimed criticism of the charity over reports staff used sex workers in earthquake-hit Haiti has been out of proportion.

Mark Goldring apologised on behalf of the charity after it was reported that senior members of staff held “sex parties” at villas provided by Oxfam when they were helping in the wake of the devastating earthquake.

But, in an interview with the Guardian, he suggested that people have been “gunning” for the charity and critics were motivated by an “anti-aid” agenda.

"The intensity and the ferocity of the attack makes you wonder, what did we do?" he said. "We murdered babies in their cots?

Haiti: the charity was accused of covering up staff's use of prostitutes whilst working in the earthquake-hit country
AFP/Getty Images

“Certainly, the scale and the intensity of the attacks feels out of proportion to the level of culpability. I struggle to understand it. You think, 'My God, there's something going on there.'"

The charity boss said that "anything we say is being manipulated... even apologies only make matters worse."

The charity took a full page out in the Guardian on Saturday, apologising to supporters and the people of Haiti. It outlines plans to improve its culture and safeguarding policy.

Allegations: The charity has been accused of covering up sexual exploitation 
PA

But this was somewhat undermined by Mr Godring’s comments, which were published in a front-page interview.

His comments came after reports emerged accusing the charity of covering up claims of staff using prostitutes – which sparked further accusations of sexual abuse and exploitation by charity workers.

A Save the Children report, published in 2008 but recently come to light, found "significant levels of abuse of boys and girls continue in emergencies, with much of it going unreported".

"The results of this study suggest that existing efforts to keep children safe from sexual exploitation and abuse are inadequate," the report concluded.

The research found "every kind of child sexual abuse and exploitation imaginable" was taking place.

It said: "Children as young as six are trading sex with aid workers and peacekeepers in exchange for food, money, soap and, in a very few cases, luxury items such as mobile phones."

The fieldwork took place in Haiti in 2007, years before alleged abuse was carried out by Oxfam workers.

Oxfam's future funding from the taxpayer is in doubt after the charity agreed not to bid for fresh cash following the scandal.

Oxfam scandal: International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt 
Getty Images

International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt said funding would not be considered until her department was satisfied that Oxfam can meet the "high standards" expected.

She added that the Government "reserves the right to take whatever decisions about present or future funding to Oxfam, and any other organisation, that we deem necessary".

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