AS IT IS
e head of Oxfam says the British aid group is investigating 26 new reports of sexual
wrongdoing by its workers.
He said, “I am sorry, we are sorry, for the damage Oxfam has done both to the people
of Haiti but also to wider e orts for aid and development by possibly undermining
public support.”
Goldring said 26 cases have come forward. He said 16 of them were linked to the
group’s international programs. He also said Oxfam wants people to report abuse
wherever and whenever it took place.
Oxfam released a report on the issue on Monday. It said seven people were accused
of paying for sex at a home provided by Oxfam. e report did not release the names
of the accused. However, it said three of them had threatened a witness in the
investigation.
Four sta members were dismissed for gross misconduct. e Oxfam director in
Haiti, Roland Van Hauwermeiren, resigned along with two others.
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21/2/2018 Aid Group Answers Questions About Sexual Wrongdoing
Oxfam said Friday it would set up an independent commission to study the group’s
methods and culture.
British lawmakers also questioned o cials from Save the Children UK. ey voiced
concerns that sex criminals were targeting such aid organizations.
Oxfam says it plans to develop a new system for vetting possible workers.
e reports of sexual wrongdoing have caused Britain and the European Union to
reconsider support for Oxfam.
Haitian President Jovenel Moise has called for investigations of other charitable
organizations on the island.
Wayne Lee reported this story for VOA News. Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA
Learning English with additional material from AP and Reuters. Caty Weaver was
the editor.
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Words in is Story
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21/2/2018 Aid Group Answers Questions About Sexual Wrongdoing
vet –v. to investigate someone to see if they can be approved for a job
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