Oxfam has recently learned of a sexual misconduct incident involving Ricardo Acuña, chair of the Oxfam Canada Board of Directors and a member of the Oxfam International Board of Directors.
Ricardo Acuña had not informed Oxfam Canada or Oxfam International about the situation. He has been ousted as chair of Oxfam’s Canadian Board and fired from the organization’s International Board. Both decisions take effect right away.
The incident occurred in 2014, when Ricardo Acuña attended a civil society gathering in Ottawa, although not on behalf of Oxfam.
Gabriela Bucher, Executive Director of Oxfam International, and Lauren Ravon, Executive Director of Oxfam Canada, both stated: “The failure to disclose this incident to Oxfam was a serious and irretrievable breach of trust. We expect the highest standards of conduct and transparency from everyone associated with Oxfam, as we strive to become a safer and more inclusive organisation. We expect those holding senior positions particularly to model this. We would urge anyone who has experienced or witnessed incidents of misconduct in connection with our work to report them through our confidential channels including via the independent reporting site Speak Up.”
