29 August 2003

Kinshasa, DR Congo: The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is stepping up its involvement in the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) through the recruitment of an additional 129 UN Volunteers.

Starting in September and up until the end of 2003, some 30 UN Volunteers per month are set to join the Mission.

Representing 62 different nationalities, the UN Volunteers will bring specialized skills to a number of departments including administration, logistics, medical, air operations, human rights, public information, political affairs, general services and movement control.

“This increase to 341 UN Volunteers is the latest manifestation of the International Community’s desire and intention to provide all appropriate support to the peace and national reconciliation process in the DRC,” said William Lacy Swing, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for the DRC. “The number of UN Volunteers serving with MONUC now constitutes the largest number of UN Volunteers working in DPKO Missions throughout the world.”

The Security Council Resolution 1493 extended MONUC’s mandate until 30 July 2004. MONUC operates within the UN Charter, which grants UN troops the right to defend the local population, UN premises and humanitarian workers against the threat of violence.

Currently, 212 UN Volunteers are contributing to MONUC’s efforts to strengthen the newly installed transitional Government and help it prepare for free and democratic elections to restore lasting peace and stability in the country.