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Minnie Driver Steps Down As Oxfam Ambassador Over Sex Scandal

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Tara Khandelwal
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Minnie Driver

Actress Minnie Driver is stepping down as one of Oxfam’s global ambassadors. The move came after allegations that the staff used sex workers in Haiti. She is the first celebrity to leave the organisation over the allegations.

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"I am nothing short of horrified by the allegations against Oxfam International. In no uncertain terms do I plan to continue my support of this organization or its leaders. And though it is unfortunate that after 20 years I am no longer able to advocate and defend through this specific framework, social and economic injustice is more globally prevalent than ever," Driver said in a statement.

"I certainly will not let the abhorrent mistakes of a troubling organization stop me or anyone else from working with good people in this space to support a population of human beings around the world that needs our help," - Minnie Driver

The scandal

Oxfam is accused trying to cover up the behaviour of its senior staff members. Penny Lawrence, Oxfam's former deputy chief executive, has resigned because of the scandal.

Aid workers, including Oxfam country director at the time, Roland van Hauwermeiren, were accused of turning a villa into a makeshift brothel. It's alleged that prostitutes wore only Oxfam T-shirts there

Oxfam has apologised for its aid workers' behaviour. But it denied covering up anything. Its International Executive Director Winnie Byanyima said it will recover because the majority of Oxfam staff are saving lives.

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"I am deeply hurt at what happened to those women in Haiti and I feel for them. I want justice for them and we have sent our regional director to Haiti to explore and see what we need to do for justice to be done,” she said.

Oxfam response to Driver’s resignation

"Minnie Driver has been a devoted Oxfam supporter for many years, and we are grateful for her commitment to ending global poverty. Her decision to step down as an Oxfam ambassador saddens us deeply, but we also understand and respect her choice."

"As an organization, we are ashamed by the actions of some of our staff and are more committed now than ever to learn from our mistakes and ensure we uphold the highest levels of safeguarding standards in our work around the world."

Also Read: Delhi: Women Farmers Protest for Fair Price for Their Produce

Picture Credit: HuffingtonPost

sexual abuse Minnie Driver oxfam
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