Author
Thierry Bonaventura
Communication Officer
Caritas Internationalis
Tel: +39 35 16 19 71 18
communication@caritas.va
Caritas Europa is appalled by the recent allegations concerning the former National Director of Caritas Central African Republic (CAR). Our thoughts and prayers are with the alleged victims and their families.
As Caritas, our core mission is to support people in the most vulnerable situations and we have a firm and determined commitment to abide by the highest ethical and professional standards and principles.
The Caritas confederation is absolutely determined to take any necessary steps to further strengthen its safeguarding and protection procedures and systems. Caritas Europa will support the national Caritas organisations in Europe as needed in strictly implementing those. We are committed to providing safe spaces for everyone, most importantly for children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Caritas Internationalis is assisting the local Caritas in the Central African Republic as it investigates the allegations, strengthens its safeguarding mechanisms, and offers care and support to any possible victims and their families. Caritas Internationalis has equally launched an independent accountability review to investigate the internal handling of the matter and to guarantee this wrong never happens again, at any level.
Civil and religious authorities have been notified and are investigating the allegations. Caritas Internationalis has asked all national organisations worldwide to vet their governance, staff, volunteers and international staff.
For concerns or complaints about undesirable behaviour or misconduct relating to Caritas Europa: cho@caritas.eu