The UK government has once again suspended aid funding for Oxfam following fresh allegations of sexual exploitation and bullying involving staff in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Two Oxfam workers were suspended last week as the charity investigates the claims.
The suspension comes just a month after Oxfam was allowed to resume applications for UK aid, following a three-year ban imposed after evidence of sexual exploitation by staff in Haiti emerged in 2018. The Foreign and Development Office stated that Oxfam cannot make any new funding requests until the latest allegations are resolved.
A Foreign Office spokesman said that all organisations bidding for UK aid must meet high safeguarding standards, and the recent reports "call into question" Oxfam's ability to do so. Oxfam defended its actions, saying the suspensions demonstrate its commitment to tackling abuses of power.
The allegations were detailed in a letter sent to Oxfam's leadership in February, according to The Times, which also reported that whistleblowers are frustrated with the speed of the inquiry. The letter accused 11 current and former staff of sexual exploitation, bullying, fraud, and nepotism.
Oxfam stated it is keeping the Foreign Office and Charity Commission informed about its investigation, which began in November. The charity had previously been forced to make £16m in cuts after thousands of donors cancelled payments and government funding was withdrawn following the Haiti scandal.
