British Prime Minister Theresa May on Monday described the behaviour of some Oxfam staff in Haiti as “horrific” after the charity released an internal report revealing that a former top official admitted to paying for sex and three staff threatened a witness.
The 2011 report, about aid workers deployed to Haiti following a devastating earthquake the previous year, revealed that seven staff were accused of using prostitutes at an Oxfam-funded residence.
Country director quit
Country director Roland Van Hauwermeiren admitted to paying for sex and was offered a “phased and dignified exit” of resignation if he cooperated with the inquiry. The report also said three Oxfam employees were involved in “physically threatening and intimidating” a witness who spoke to the investigators. Four staff were fired for gross misconduct and three others, including Mr. Van Hauwermeiren, were allowed to quit.
Details of the Haiti scandal surfaced earlier this month. A senior executive has resigned over the scandal. Oxfam has denied trying to cover up the allegations but admitted it could have been more open at the time, saying it was publishing the report “in recognition of the breach of trust that has been caused”.
