Oxfam releases report into 2011 sex scandal

Oxfam’s 2011 investigation into the Haiti sex scandal concluded charities should be warned about “problem staff” – only for several accused of abuse to successfully take up future posts in the aid sector.

The charity made the recommendations at the end of a report that detailed four dismissals and three resignations over allegations ranging from the use of prostitutes on charity property to sexual exploitation of employees.

Suspicions that under-age sex workers had been exploited “cannot be ruled out”, according to the document.

Last night Oxfam repeatedly refused to clarify whether it had contacted any of the women allegedly preyed upon. It has instead vowed to meet Haitian government officials more than six years on to apologise for “mistakes” and discuss how to make amends.

Relief staff had been stationed on the Caribbean island to provide support in the aftermath of an earthquake that killed thousands of people in 2010.

Oxfam officially released the findings of its investigation after a leaked copy was published by The Times, heralding a storm of criticism over how the episode was handled.

It said in a statement: “We are making this exceptional publication because we want to be as transparent as possible about the decisions we made during this particular investigation and in recognition of the breach of trust that has been caused.

“We hope this also contributes to rebuilding trust with those who support our work,” it added.

The report alleges the director of operations in the country, Roland Van Hauwermeiren, admitted using sex workers in his accommodation and was granted a “phased and dignified exit”. Last week he denied ever using prostitutes in Haiti.