Oxfam Is Firing 1,450 Workers, Shutting Offices In 18 Countries

As Covid-19 continues to sweep across the world, it is expected that millions of people across Africa and Europe will lose their jobs.

According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), at least 25 million people are likely to remain jobless as a result of the effects of Covid-19.

In Kenya, for instance, more than 1,000,000 people are without jobs following the shutting down of businesses following a measure by the government in an effort to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

The latest victims of job losses will be those working for Oxfam International, one of the best known international development charity. As a result of the impact of Covid-19, Oxfam is withdrawing from 18 countries.

As a result of the ongoing cost-cutting process through restructuring, Oxfam will be letting go of about 1,450 of its 5,000 program workers, as well as 700 of its 1,900 program partners.

According to Oxfam, Covid-19 has hit hard on its financial streams, affecting fundraising activities leading to its stores and offices across the world shutting down.

Oxfam is known worldwide for its development programs in developing countries around the world. It is also known for its persistent call for equal distribution of wealth by bashing billionaires who amass wealth without caring for the poor.

Here is a list of countries that Oxfam is withdrawing:

Thailand

Afghanistan

Sri Lanka

Tanzania

Pakistan

Tajikistan

Haiti

Dominican Republic

Cuba

Paraguay

Egypt

Sudan

Burundi

Rwanda

Sierra Leone

Benin

Liberia

Mauritania

Oxfam has been part of some of the countries for over 50 years. In Tanzania for instance, the organization began operations in 1960, articulating both development and governance issues. It also helped in amplifying the need for rights for women in the country.

In Rwanda, Oxfam is part of their history. At the time the genocide was just starting in 1994, Oxfam tried hard to have the war stopped by warning and calling on the international community to help.

“I would like to place on record my deepest thanks to our staff and the brilliant work they have done in helping the people and communities we work with,” said Chema Vera, Oxfam International’s interim Executive Director.

When Covid-19 started taking a toll on its operations, Oxfam forced its staff to take voluntary pay cuts. Over 40 percent of its funds came from fundraising activities that have since been affected as donors keep off due to the current economic uncertainties.

READ: Price Of Onions Up By 90% Following Covid-19 War Between Kenya And Tanzania