Attachments
Greece, May 30, 2017
Statement on internal investigation in Greece
PORTLAND, ORE. – Mercy Corps is investigating an allegation of serious misconduct by two of our employees in Greece after receiving a call through our complaint hotline. We are taking this situation very seriously and have reported the allegation to Greek authorities as well as to the funders of our program.
Mercy Corps is committed to the protection of our beneficiaries and has zero tolerance for any form of harassment, exploitation, fraud or theft. Mercy Corps requires its staff and partners to abide by its code of conduct, which includes immediate reporting of any violations. If proven to have taken place, violations of our code of conduct result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment or partner agreement.
A comprehensive investigation of this allegation is underway, led by an expert in victims’ rights and, more specifically, with deep expertise in investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and exploitation. We continue to promptly brief Greek authorities, including the Supreme Court Prosecutor, as the investigation proceeds and appreciate their assistance with this issue. In addition, Mercy Corps will cooperate with any investigation conducted by Greek authorities and the funders of the program.
Two staff members were named in the complaint and are on temporary paid leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Mercy Corps is committed to protecting the most vulnerable refugees and we know from our deep experience that women and children are most at risk. We are doing everything we can to understand the circumstances surrounding this allegation, take timely and appropriate action, and make the situation right. In order to protect the privacy of the complainant and ensure the integrity of the investigation, we cannot share additional information until the investigation is complete.
Since 2015, Mercy Corps has supported tens of thousands of refugees in Greece with cash assistance, information and services, safe shelter and psychosocial support for youth. We aim to ensure that people have access to what they need to survive through crisis and rebuild their lives, and strive to do so always with compassion and respect.