Urgent Call for Investigation of Unethical Conduct by FH Staff in Adiet District, Tigray

Tigray Herald፡October 23,2024 (Mekele)

Subject: Urgent Call for Investigation of Unethical Conduct by FH Staff in Adiet District, Tigray

To:
Moses Dombo, Country Director, Ethiopia

Cc:
Trevor Maisiri, Chief Impact & Innovation Officer
FH Leadership, UK
Food for the Hungry Representative, Tigray Region

Upholding FH’s Core Values: Justice, Integrity, and Compassion
Food for the Hungry (FH) is deeply committed to the principles of justice, integrity, and compassion—values that are central to our mission of serving the most vulnerable. In regions like Tigray, Ethiopia, which are still recovering from the trauma of genocide, these principles must guide every decision and action we take. As an organization entrusted with the responsibility to restore hope, dignity, and healing to communities devastated by conflict, it is essential that we maintain the highest ethical standards, ensuring that our work reflects the justice, mercy, and humility we pledge to embody.

Ensuring Accountability Through a Confidential Reporting Mechanism
At FH, transparency and accountability are at the heart of our operations. We have established a secure and anonymous third-party reporting platform to allow anyone to report unethical conduct—be it discrimination, corruption, exclusion, or intimidation—without fear of retaliation. This platform guarantees the confidentiality of whistleblowers and ensures that all reports are thoroughly investigated. FH is committed to safeguarding the rights of individuals who raise concerns and holding those who breach our ethical standards accountable.

Urgent Investigation Required: Alleged Violations in Adiet District, Tigray
We have received alarming reports regarding the conduct of certain FH staff in the Adiet District, Tigray. These allegations include:

Discriminatory practices and the exclusion of specific community members, particularly those who have spoken out against corruption.
Intimidation of individuals raising concerns about unethical behavior within FH’s local operations.
Retaliatory actions and threats against whistleblowers who have reported misconduct.
These allegations are particularly concerning given the region’s recent history and ongoing recovery from genocide. The people of Tigray deserve empathy, respect, and justice—not further harm through exclusion, intimidation, or corruption. These actions are in direct contradiction to FH’s core values and must be addressed with urgency.

Restoring Integrity to FH’s Mission in Tigray
The reported misconduct in Adiet District has severely undermined trust in FH’s mission. To restore confidence in our organization, immediate and transparent action is required. FH’s credibility and commitment to serving vulnerable communities with fairness and justice are at stake. It is imperative that we act swiftly to prevent further harm and ensure that the people of Tigray can trust in the support FH provides.

A Call to FH Leadership for Immediate Action
We strongly urge FH leadership—particularly Moses Dombo, Trevor Maisiri, and FH’s UK leadership—to launch a full, impartial investigation into these serious allegations. The people of Adiet District and the broader Tigray region are counting on FH to act with integrity and decisiveness. Failure to address these issues promptly will not only harm the communities we serve but also damage FH’s reputation and mission.

Conclusion: Ensuring Justice and Protecting the Vulnerable
The people of Tigray, especially those in Adiet District, deserve an organization that remains firmly committed to its ethical obligations. We call on FH to take immediate action to investigate and resolve these issues, protect whistleblowers, and hold accountable those responsible. Only through such decisive measures can trust be restored and justice be served for the communities we are dedicated to helping.

It is vital that the investigation proceeds without endangering the local community for coming forward with information. The voices of the community must be heard, and FH must ensure their protection throughout this process.

This urgent appeal is supported by Tigrayan advocacy groups for human rights in the UK and EU, who emphasize the need for transparency and accountability in FH’s response. We also extend our gratitude to FH International for its continued support during this critical time.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Tigrayan Advocacy Groups for Human Rights in the UK and EU