Response to The Cambodia Daily Article

Phnom Penh - November 07, 2013: On 7th November 2013, The Cambodia Daily published an article “Aid Worker Claims Fabricated Stories Are Common” mentioning World Vision, Oxfam and CARE in a quote from Mr Fallavier.  

World Vision, Oxfam and CARE would like to take this opportunity to stand together and to share our view on the topics raised in the article and to address the allegations levelled at our organisations.

We would like to support the views shared by Hagar International and Save the Children, with our condemnation of any activity that misrepresents, puts at risk, or victimises any child or persons with whom we work.

We uphold very stringent child protection polices. The stories shared are investigated deeply and the subjects and circumstances are known well by our organisations. The stories shared are done so purely on a voluntary basis, telling the story of an individual, family or community, who have chosen to promote their experience for the future protection of others who might face similar situations. Many of these individuals are great champions of change and inspire hope for those around them.

We protect the identity of individuals involved, ensuring that locations, names, faces and other factors are unidentifiable.

We strongly reject the notion that a “majority of these stories are a ‘composite’ of different realities”. Our organisations go to great lengths to uphold and preserve the reality of each story, ensuring that it is with dignity and hope these heroes have their own story told.

Sincerely,

World Vision, Oxfam, CARE.