MPs blast aid charities for failing to tackle 'endemic' sexual exploitation and abuse
2 min read
Aid charities have failed to tackle "endemic" sexual abuse in the sector, MPs have warned.
A damning report from the International Development Committee slams aid charities for failing to tackle the "open secret" of sexual abuse, saying that the sector has instead chosen to take a "reactive cyclical approach, driven by concern for reputation management in the face of media reports".
The MPs say that the delivery of aid to some of the world’s most desperate people has been "subverted" by sexual abusers who use their powerful positions to prey on victims of natural disasters and failing states.
The committee's inquiry was launched in the wake of revelations from The Times that senior Oxfam aid workers in Haiti had been paying local women for sex during the organisation’s humanitarian response to the 2010 earthquake which killed 300,000 and left hundreds of thousands displaced.
The MPs' report says that incident was part of an "endemic" problem, and said under-reporting meant that cases which had come to light were only the "tip of the iceberg".
They urge aid organisations to do more to tackle problem by ensuring that whistleblowers are protected, and call on charities to value transparency over reputation when it comes to dealing with accusations of abuse or exploitation.
'ABJECT FAILURES'
Committee Chair Stephen Twigg said reforms were sorely needed amid continued "abject failures" from aid organisations.
"Victims and whistleblowers must not end up feeling penalised for speaking out," the Labour MP said.
"Humanitarian organisations and the UN cannot continue a ‘culture of denial’ when confronted with allegations of SEA [sexual exploitation and abuse].
"The Committee is deeply concerned that previous attempts have amounted to limited action in order to quell media clamour with no last impact or redress."
He added: "We acknowledge that today’s report – though damning – is a small, first step, but take note: we are putting all relevant authorities on notice.
"The International Development Committee will continue to give this high priority and we will be tracking progress with a view to ensuring real improvement is made.
"No matter how insurmountable this looks, solutions must be found. This horror must be confronted."
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