ADVERTISEMENT

Haitian president denounces Oxfam handling of sex scandal

The British charity has come under sharp criticism for its handling of misconduct allegations against staff members accused of using prostitutes in Haiti following a devastating 2010 earthquake.

"There is nothing more undignified and dishonest than a sexual predator who uses his position as part of the humanitarian response to a natural disaster to exploit needy people in moments of great vulnerability," Moise wrote on Twitter late Monday.

The Ministry of Planning and External Cooperation on Thursday summoned representatives of the charity in Haiti requesting explanations.

"We have learned, not without dismay, that the NGO Oxfam is implicated in juvenile sex crimes in Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010," said Minister Aviol Fleurant on Tuesday.

ADVERTISEMENT

"The directors would have used the organization's funds for this purpose," he said, saying that in addition to "serious sexual crimes" the episode would also meet criteria for a "'crime against development' in light of the possible diversion of external aid for the use of illegal criminal activities."

Oxfam has denied covering up the scandal, which triggered the resignation of its deputy chief executive on Monday.

"As programme director at the time, I am ashamed that this happened on my watch and I take full responsibility," Penny Lawrence said in a statement.

The allegations revolve around Roland van Hauwermeiren, who was Oxfam's country director for Haiti and was previously the head of the charity's mission in Chad.

Oxfam investigated sexual misconduct allegations in 2011 and van Hauwermeiren was one of three staff members who resigned while four others were dismissed.

ADVERTISEMENT

Investigations into the seven men examined the use of prostitutes, downloading of pornography, bullying and intimidation.

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Parents to donate organs of their baby who died after falling from hotel window

Parents to donate organs of their baby who died after falling from hotel window

French police detain man who threatened to bomb Iran consulate  in Paris

French police detain man who threatened to bomb Iran consulate in Paris

FCCPC begins fact-finding engagements in markets to crash food prices

FCCPC begins fact-finding engagements in markets to crash food prices

Gunmen kill 13 persons in fresh Plateau attack - Police

Gunmen kill 13 persons in fresh Plateau attack - Police

Aiyedatiwa, 15 other APC aspirants jostle for 171,922 votes at Ondo guber primary

Aiyedatiwa, 15 other APC aspirants jostle for 171,922 votes at Ondo guber primary

Tinubu wants South Korean company to establish production bases in Nigeria

Tinubu wants South Korean company to establish production bases in Nigeria

NCDC remains concerned as mysterious illness continues to spread in 3 northern states

NCDC remains concerned as mysterious illness continues to spread in 3 northern states

Only God gives power, Atiku resigned to fate in WhatsApp chat with supporters

Only God gives power, Atiku resigned to fate in WhatsApp chat with supporters

Why Kogi Assembly can't impeach Ododo over Yahaya Bello's escape - Speaker

Why Kogi Assembly can't impeach Ododo over Yahaya Bello's escape - Speaker

Pulse Sports

Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami

Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami

Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe

Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe

Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024

Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT