MPs accuse aid charities of ‘verging on complicity’ as sex predators exploit vulnerable
THE INTERNATIONAL aid sector is guilty of “complacency verging on complicity” over its sex abuse scandal, a new report from a parliamentary committee has said.
The delivery of aid to people and places in crisis has been subverted by sexual predators, according to the latest report from the International Development Committee, with only superficial action taken to tackle it.
Committee chairman Stephen Twigg has set out how abuse remains “endemic” and the sector “deluded” in its denial of “the horror of sexual exploitation and abuse” (SEA).
The report highlights a lack of barriers, making aid an “attractive sector for people wishing to exploit others” and outlines “systematic criminal sexual exploitation”, for example in the form of human trafficking into prostitution, as a result.
It comes after Oxfam was accused of covering up abuse in Haiti, which sparked a wave of stories which implicated other aid agencies.
Mr Twigg said: “Humanitarian organisations and the UN cannot continue a ‘culture of denial’ when confronted with allegations of SEA.
“The committee is deeply concerned that previous attempts have amounted to limited action in order to quell media clamour with no lasting impact or redress.
“No matter how insurmountable this looks, solutions must be found. This horror must be confronted.”
Mr Twigg was fiercely critical of the recent response from aid agencies, which he accused of being driven by concern for reputation management and failing to bring about meaningful change.
“Many things have changed in that time with the aid sector, Charity Commission and DfID taking steps to respond to the crisis,” he said.
“One thing has not: The abject failure of the international aid sector to get to grips with this issue, leaving victims at the mercy of those who seek to use power to abuse others. This must be tackled.
“Victims and whistleblowers must not end up feeling penalised for speaking out.”
The report calls for a zero-tolerance approach, which empowers the beneficiaries of humanitarian aid, proactively seeks out any issues and responds robustly, as well as demonstrating “transparency over reputation”.
MPs also want much stronger screening for known sexual predators, including a global register of aid workers who will operate according to expected standards, and an independent aid ombudsman to provide a right to appeal.
The Department for International Development (DfID) has been called on to provide annual updates on safeguarding performance, including details of investigations and “space for the voices of victims and survivors to be heard”.
Committee member Pauline Latham, who will lead follow-up checks on DfID, said it had a responsibility to provide funding to encourage victims to come forward and called for “deep cultural change” including a dismantling of male-heavy leadership teams.