MP condemns Oxfam over clams of staff sexual misconduct overseas

OXFAM lied and failed in its “moral leadership” in the wake of allegations of sexual misconduct by aid workers, the International Development Secretary has said.

Penny Mordaunt condemned the behaviour of some Oxfam staff as a “complete betrayal”, and warned the charity the “scandal” had put its relationship with the Government at risk.

Oxfam is facing mounting criticism over its handling of sex allegations, but has denied it tried to cover up the use of prostitutes by workers in Haiti in 2011.

Miss Mordaunt told BBC1’S The Andrew Marr Show the failure to pass on information to relevant authorities shows an “absolute absence of leadership”.

Asked if she thought Oxfam had failed in its “moral leadership”, the Conservative MP replied: “Yes, I do.”

Miss Mordaunt announced she would meet the charity today to discuss the case, and said: “If the moral leadership at the top of the organisation is not there then we cannot have you as a partner.”

Charities, including Oxfam, have been told they will have funding withdrawn if they fail to comply with authorities over safeguarding issues. The Charity Commission said on Saturday it had written to Oxfam “as a matter of urgency” to request further information.

The regulator said an Oxfam report on the investigation stated there had been no allegations of abuse of beneficiaries and made no mention of any potential sexual crimes involving minors.

Miss Mordaunt said the charity had also “categorically” stated to the Department for International Development that no harm was done and beneficiaries were not involved.

Marr said: “That was a lie, wasn’t it?”

Miss Mordaunt replied: “Well, quite.”

In a further warning to the charity, she said: “If they do not hand over all the information they have from their investigation and subsequently to the relevant authorities, including the Charity Commission and prosecuting authorities, then I cannot work with them any more as an aid-delivery partner.”

Four members of Oxfam staff were dismissed and three, including the country director, resigned before the end of the 2011 investigation.

The charity said allegations that under-age girls may have been involved were not proven.