Statement of the NOHA Network to the findings of the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen’s investigation into Stichting NOHA Groningen.

As released by the University and reported by several news sources, the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen has announced findings from a forensic investigation into the Stichting NOHA Groningen. We welcome the findings of this report and the transparency of the University on this matter. 

As mentioned by the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, irregularities were discovered by NOHA in the finances related to the NOHA programme at the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen in March 2019. This report now confirms that employees of the university had given false information to both the NOHA Network and the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen. As a result of this information, money from the NOHA Network intended for the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen ended up in the bank accounts of the Stichting NOHA Groningen.

As noted by the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, this incident, while the act of only a few individuals, has led to reputational damage for both the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen and NOHA, as well as reducing NOHA’s operational and financial capabilities. We recognise the decision of the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen to carry out disciplinary actions against those employees responsible in this matter. While this incident is certainly a significant hurdle, we are confident that all NOHA universities, including Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, will continue to provide quality education in the field of humanitarian action in the coming years.