An update for our valued supporters

A note from Jim Clarken, Oxfam Ireland Chief Executive

The stories of sexual misconduct unfolding in the media are appalling and they have personally rocked me and everyone at Oxfam Ireland. 

The behaviour of some staff employed by Oxfam Great Britain in Haiti in 2011 and in Chad in 2006 was totally unacceptable, contrary to our values and the high standards we expect of our staff. 

We want to make it very clear - we completely condemn any form of abuse against the people we work to protect and support. We feel deep shame in the behaviour of those who failed to uphold our values, values I know that you, our supporters, share. 

I feel great responsibility in the trust that you place in us and I know that this awful situation may have damaged that. We promise to continue to be open and transparent and rebuild any trust lost. We are also absolutely committed to ensuring that we continue to learn and improve as an organisation.  

No staff employed by Oxfam Ireland were involved in these cases and they did not involve the misuse of public funds. All of the money you helped to raise for Haiti was spent as planned on the relief response to the 2010 earthquake.

We have a zero-tolerance approach to sexual misconduct and will not stand for any kind of harassment of staff, partners, volunteers or those we serve.

It is my priority to ensure that our staff, volunteers and the people we work for are safe and valued and we have several safeguarding policies in operation to prevent harassment and abuse, including a prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse policy. Staff and volunteers are encouraged to raise any concerns they may have without reprisal and we have a robust whistleblowing policy in place.  

I want to assure you that this incident does not represent Oxfam or what we stand for. The deplorable actions of a small number of people will not stop the vital work against poverty and injustice worldwide that you contribute to everyday.

Together, I am confident that we will overcome this challenge and we remain grateful for your commitment to our work on behalf of the world’s poorest people. 

Thank you so much for your ongoing support,

Jim Clarken
Chief Executive
Oxfam Ireland