Oxfam hit by further sex scandal with claims staff used prostitutes in Chad Oxfam was further embroiled in scandal as reports claimed staff also used prostitutes in Chad during a humanitarian mission there […]

Oxfam was further embroiled in scandal as reports claimed staff also used prostitutes in Chad during a humanitarian mission there in 2006.

According to The Observer, women were repeatedly invited “for parties” at Oxfam’s team premises there but the source added: “we knew they weren’t just friends but something else.” A senior member of staff was said to have been fired for his behaviour in 2006.

“Sector-wide”

The source said it was“a sector-wide problem” and warned that there needed to be a way to stop those same people going on to work for other aid agencies and charities.

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The Chad mission was led by Roland van Hauwermeiren who resigned in 2011 after he admitted prostitutes had visited his villa in Haiti during the humanitarian mission there following the 2010 earthquake.

Oxfam said it was “shocked and dismayed” by the new Chad claims although it said it could not corroborate the claims. It denies any cover-up.

Concern

Former international development secretary Priti Patel said she was aware of the issue of sexual misconduct and abuse in the aid sector, in general, adding there was “a culture of denial”.

But foreign secretary, Emily Thornberry, said she was concerned that the scandal could lead to fewer donations to charities which would ultimately affect those in “acute distress”.