Scandal-hit Oxfam has received CHF20.4 million in Swiss funds since 2013
According to a report in the SonntagsZeitung on Sunday, the Swiss Foreign Affairs Ministry helped fund various projects coordinated by the British aid organisation, which is currently engulfed in a sexual exploitation scandal.
The Swiss taxpayer funding for Oxfam, amounting to CHF20.4 million ($26.5 million), supported projects in Chad, Iraq, Syria and in the Palestinian territories, the SonntagsZeitung reported.
In a statement to the German-language newspaper, the foreign affairs ministry said that its collaboration with Oxfam was “long-standing and positive”, which would make “a thorough investigation” into the sexual abuse allegation even more vital. It added that it would be too early to end cooperation with the organisation now.
Allegations of sexual misconduct by aid workers include claims that more than 120 Oxfam staff had engaged prostitutes – possibly underage – during the humanitarian crisis in Haiti in 2011 and that the charity had subsequently attempted to cover up the scandal.
The British government withdrew its funding for the aid organisation on Friday amid an escalation of the scandal, and more than 1,000 private direct debits supporting the charity were cancelled, as the British newspaper The Guardian reportedExternal link.
Swiss invention: 90-year anniversary of first T-bar ski lift
This content was published on
On Monday it will be 90 years since the world’s first T-bar ski lift went into service in Davos. This Swiss invention was an instant success.
Iran summons Swiss ambassador over US and Italy arrests
This content was published on
Iran has summoned the Swiss ambassador, who represents US interests, to protest against the arrest in the US and Italy of two Iranians.
Swisscom receives greenlight for acquisition of Vodafone Italia
This content was published on
The takeover of Vodafone Italia by Swisscom is nearing completion. All relevant authorities have now approved the €8 billion (CHF7.45 billion) deal.
Novo Nordisk stock market plunge drags down Swiss device maker Ypsomed
This content was published on
The Danish pharmaceutical giant, Novo Nordisk, faced setbacks on Friday that weighed on the share price of Swiss injection device manufacturer Ypsomed.
Swiss press react to EU deal with mix of euphoria and scepticism
This content was published on
Swiss media reaction to the agreement between Switzerland and the EU varies widely. Some are celebrating, while others worry about what is to come.
Swiss Solidarity donations to tackle child abuse top CHF4 million
This content was published on
Swiss Solidarity, the humanitarian arm of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), has raised over CHF4 million ($4.3 million) to tackle child abuse.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Switzerland to increase aid partnerships with private sector
This content was published on
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) plans to double the number of partnerships with the private sector in the next two years.
Switzerland ‘extremely worried’ by US aid cuts to Palestinians
This content was published on
The Swiss foreign ministry says it is preoccupied by the US aid cut to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
Switzerland cuts funding to Palestinian NGO with suspected violent links
This content was published on
Switzerland has confirmed that it has stopped funding a Palestinian women’s rights NGO, following an investigation showing links to a terrorist figure.
This content was published on
It’s news, but not new. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has been providing aid for exactly 50 years, both in spectacular disaster situations, and over the long haul with projects targeting issues ranging from poverty reduction to conflict prevention and good governance. But without the commitment of private organisations and grass-roots idealists…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.