Former Oxfam head accuses charity of racism, sexism and ‘toxic antisemitic culture’ in legal action

The former head of Oxfam in the UK says she is taking legal action against the charity, accusing it of racism, sexism and antisemitism.

Halima Begum is asked by Channel 4 News about her claims to an employment tribunal of a “toxic antisemitic culture” at the charity.

“We have to show consistency with other crises that that are taking place in the world. and it always felt as though we were disproportionately working around the crisis in Gaza,” Begum says.

“But other examples include quite strong push back when we were not ready yet to use the word genocide. Because to use the word genocide, it has to be something that we arrive at with consultation and evidence and good legal advice. And to try and use that term before we’re ready as an organization feels quite risky to me,” she says.

“Essentially, it was very hard to hold on to neutrality and impartiality, and I say that as a Muslim woman,” she says.

In December, Begum was forced to step down. The BBC reported that Oxfam’s trustees said Begum’s position was “untenable” because of an “irretrievable breakdown in its trust and confidence” in her ability to do the job amid accusations of bullying.

In a statement to Channel 4 News, Oxfam GB says it refutes Begum’s allegations.

Oxfam works in over 70 countries, helping people in developing countries out of poverty and providing emergency aid during humanitarian crises.

Mark Goldring resigned as CEO of Oxfam GB in 2018 following revelations that the charity’s aid workers used sex workers while in Haiti following a 2010 earthquake. The British government halted funding for Oxfam in 2021 after it reported it had suspended staff members in the Democratic Republic of Congo over claims of sexual misconduct and bullying.

Agencies contributed to this report.