Statement on sexual misconduct in the aid sector

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Contact number: 0207 877 7557 / 07710 391 703

"International aid organisations are working in some of the most dangerous, complex and challenging environments in the world, supporting people at their most vulnerable. We must all work together to ensure the very people we seek to help are at the heart of our approach to safeguarding at all times.

"There is no place for sexual misconduct. Every single organisation in our sector needs to commit to a culture of integrity, in which misconduct is not tolerated, incidents of misconduct are quickly and firmly investigated and people lead by example through their own behaviour.

"The British Red Cross is fully committed to tackling sexual harassment and misconduct; promoting an environment in which all staff, volunteers and those we support feel empowered to report any incidents.

"Over the past year the British Red Cross has worked with DFID and the Charity Commission with complete transparency. Part of this commitment to transparency includes the decision to publish the number of any cases of sexual misconduct in 2018, as well as any other breaches of our Code of Conduct, later this year."

ENDS

Notes to editors

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About the British Red Cross

For over 150 years, the British Red Cross has helped people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. With millions of volunteers in over 190 countries, the British Red Cross is part of an international humanitarian Movement that’s there for people before, during and after a crisis. Together, we are the world’s emergency responders. www.redcross.org.uk