Bond statement in response to today's Times story

Bond statement in response to today’s Times story:

“The events in 2002 in west Africa were shocking and shameful for the whole humanitarian and development sector. Women and children living in refugee camps who had already suffered so much should never have been in a situation where their vulnerability could be preyed upon. Important steps were taken by NGOs post 2002, however the sector knows it needs to go much further to protect those they seek to help.

All of the policies and processes in the world will not make the difference needed unless they are matched by a change in organisational culture and leadership. We must address the underlying issues of inequality and power imbalances which allow exploitation, abuse and harassment to take place – and this agenda needs to be owned and driven forwards by anyone who works for an NGO, but particularly those in leadership positions. The whole sector recognises this and is working together to put this into practice. NGOs must protect people from abuse, hold abusers to account and encourage those affected to come forward to report incidents.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor

Bond is the UK network for organisations working in international development. Bond unites and supports a diverse network of over 450 civil society organisations and allies to help eradicate global poverty, inequality and injustice.
Since the Safeguarding Summit in March, Bond has convened four working groups drawn from our membership, independent safeguarding experts, DFID and the Charity Commission to investigate the issues of accountability, organisational culture, employment practice and reporting in order to determine the most practical and effective solutions for safeguarding.
For further information please contact Maryam Mohsin, [email protected] or 07555 336029