Oxfam’s reaction to Haitian Government’s decision to withdraw Oxfam Great Britain permission to work in Haiti

“Oxfam is disappointed but understands the Haiti Government’s decision to withdraw Oxfam Great Britain’s permission to work in Haiti. The behaviour of some former Oxfam staff working in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake was completely unacceptable. We have apologised to the government and the Haitian people for what happened. 

From 2011, we introduced stronger measures to prevent harassment and abuse, including a whistle-blowing hotline and a dedicated safeguarding team. In February this year we announced a comprehensive plan to strengthen our safeguarding globally. We have increased staff and funding for safeguarding, including in Haiti, set up a global database for references to make it harder for wrongdoers to work in the sector and appointed an independent commission to review our culture and practices so that we can make further improvements. 

We are committed to continue to do all we can to help the millions of people every year affected by humanitarian disasters and to improve the lives of those living in poverty.”