Oxfam International Regional Director for Latin America and the Minister of Planning and External Cooperation the Caribbean, Aviol Fleurant has announced a precautionary measure against the NGO, Oxfam Great Britain (Oxfam GB).
There is a suspension of two months of the recognition granted to this NGO for serious misconduct in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, the Decree of 14 September 1989 governing Non-Governmental Organizations in Haiti and Haitian criminal laws.
Minister Fleurant said, “Haiti is no longer a Republic of NGOs […] We are not joking, the dignity of the Haitian people is priceless. His Ministry may take other precautionary measures to protect the rights of victims, the interests of the Haitian State and those of the population.”
This measure has no impact on the course of public action initiated by the Public Prosecutor’s Office near the competent courts. It extends over the two months of the institutional investigation will last conducted by the Ministry of Planning on behalf of the Government
Minister of the Interior said , “If, during the two months of the investigation, I find a link between the crimes committed and the money that Oxfam GB had received as aid on behalf of Haitians, then I would make sure that Oxfam GB is declared “persona non grata” in Haiti and that it leaves the country without delay.
According to a spokeswoman for the organization, “Oxfam will continue to work on major reconstruction and development projects in Haiti, helping people through other affiliates (Oxfam Italy, Oxfam Spain, Oxfam Quebec…) but we anticipate Oxfam GB’s temporary suspension will have a significant impact on the organization […].”
