Desmond Tutu becomes latest Oxfam ambassador to distance themselves from charity

Archbishop Desmond Tutu has stepped down from representing Oxfam, saying he is “deeply disappointed” in the charities most recent scandal.

His resignation comes following Oxfam’s sex scandal, where Oxfam aid workers coerced women to have sex “in exchange for aid” in Haiti, 2011.

The retired church leader still works with the Elders and said he is stepping down due to the “immorality and possible criminality” carried out by Oxfam staff working in Haiti.

“Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu has supported Oxfam International’s good work for many years, most recently as one of its global ambassadors,” said a spokesperson from Tutu’s office.

“The archbishop is deeply disappointed by allegations of immorality and possible criminality involving humanitarian workers linked to the charity.

“He is also saddened by the impact of the allegations on the many thousands of good people who have supported Oxfam’s righteous work.”

Tutu is not the only ambassador who hopes to distance himself from the organisation since the scandal was revealed. Actor Minnie Driver also quit her role as an ambassador earlier this week. 

“All I can tell you about this awful revelation about Oxfam is that I am devastated,” she wrote on Twitter.

“Devastated for the women who were used by people sent there to help them [and] devastated by the response of an organisation that I have been raising awareness for since I was 9 years old.”

In a statement, Oxfam said: “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 organisation, 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.”

The Charity Commission is to start an investigation since the news broke.

Oxfam has since announced new measures for the handling of sexual abuse cases. It plans to introduce a tougher vetting of staff and compulsory safeguard training for new members of staff.