Unicef chief quits after allegations of ‘inappropriate’ conduct
A Unicef executive has quit after allegations were made of inappropriate behaviour while he worked for charity Save the Children.
Justin Forsyth yesterday resigned as deputy executive director of Unicef in New York after his former colleagues complained about his conduct.
Mr Forsyth previously admitted making “some personal mistakes” during his time at Save the Children.
He was twice subject to investigation while at the charity after concerns were raised about his conduct in 2011 and again in 2015 involving three women.
Save the Children has since apologised to the female employees, admitting their claims were not properly dealt with at the time. Mr Forsyth said he was standing down with a “heavy heart”, adding: “I want to make clear I am not resigning from Unicef because of the mistakes I made at Save the Children.
“They were dealt with through a proper process many years ago.
“I apologised unreservedly at the time and face to face. I apologise again.
“There is no doubt in my mind that some of the coverage around me is not just to (rightly) hold me to account, but also to attempt to do serious damage to our cause and the case for aid.”
The disclosures came as it was last night announced Oxfam would be suspended in Haiti for two months.
The suspension is pending an investigation into sexual misconduct by employees of the aid group.