Oxfam Beware of kneejerk reaction to Oxfam scandal Readers, some with experience of aid work and safeguarding, respond to news that critics are ‘gunning for Oxfam’ over alleged sexual exploitation in Haiti in the wake of the 2010 earthquake Hatians wait in line for food after the 2010 earthquake. Michael StoneMoretonhampstead, Devonshire• In 1996 a group of British humanitarian and development organisations, including Oxfam and DfID (then the ODA headed by Lynda Chalker), started People In Aid. It is now clear, and unsurprising, that there are sexual predators in many organisations, including the BBC, the churches and parliament. Bryan HopkinsSheffield• As a worker in the safeguarding field I am distressed but not surprised by the Oxfam scandal. There are still plenty of “goodies” in the aid world and I, for one, greatly admire the work of Oxfam and will not be cancelling my standing order.

Source: The Guardian February 19, 2018 17:26 UTC