Oxfam: We are a development and humanitarian organization, not a “front for local communist terror groups”

It has come to our attention that Oxfam in the Philippines has been included in a list of ‘front organizations of local communist terrorist groups (CTG)’ from the Department of National Defense (DND). In another list from the DND, Oxfam International and Oxfam UK are mentioned as ‘foreign funding agencies wittingly or unwittingly providing funds to CTG front organizations.’

 

Oxfam categorically denies these accusations.

 

Oxfam is a development and humanitarian organization working to reduce poverty and to provide life-saving assistance to communities affected by disasters. We have been legally registered in the Philippines and working in the country for more than 30 years.

 

Our vision is a just and inclusive Philippine society; and our approach is to work in partnership with a diverse group of stakeholders who are key to achieving this vision—from government, private sector, the academe, women’s organizations, community groups, to the donor community and other international groups.

 

As an organization committed to the humanitarian imperative, we ensure that our assistance is extended to the most vulnerable in an impartial and non-partisan manner. Oxfam is determined that all its funds and resources should only be used to further its mission and shall not be subject to diversion by any third party nor used or abused for any illegal purpose. We work in full accordance with humanitarian principles, international law and the laws of donor governments and have stringent systems in place to ensure our aid gets to the people who need it most.

 

Oxfam takes the risk of aid diversion extremely seriously in all areas of our operations globally, and we have clear processes in place to prevent and respond to any risks or allegations. Oxfam has rigorous financial management controls and procedures that ensure that the assistance we provide goes to the people who need it most.

 

If our vision and mission in the Philippines have led to Oxfam being labelled a ‘local communist terrorist group’ or a funder of ‘communist terrorist groups’ then we find this a most troubling situation. These allegations affect not only us, but also put the communities and partners we work with at risk. In a country where poverty remains, and poor communities are continually struck by disasters, we strongly believe that organizations like ours should be encouraged, rather than hindered, from undertaking our programs.

IDEALS vehemently condemns this move to harass and criminalize Oxfam, a development and humanitarian organization. The organization is doing essential work to protect the rights of the people, advocate for inclusive development, and provide urgent assistance to far-flung communities. Yet, they are subjected to this administration’s attacks and tirades.

It is the government’s duty to uphold the fundamental rights of the people. These include the right to freedom of speech, expression, assembly, and to ensure basic social services for all. It is not their role to reinforce impunity and sow fear in all levels of society.

In light of the shrinking spaces for defenders, we reiterate that humanitarian and development works to empower communities are not crimes. The more we treat it as such, the more we shake and loosen the cornerstones of our democracy.

Together with other human rights and development groups, we will not stand by and watch as the administration demonizes people and organizations who have the courage to stand up against poverty, impunity, and injustice.

#DefendOurDefenders!