24 May 2007

For the past 15 years (1992-2007), UNV and DPKO have engaged in fruitful collaboration.  UNV volunteers have taken part in 43 peacekeeping operations, with about 8,000 volunteers completing 16,000 mission assignments during this period.  From 1999-2007, the economic value of UNV volunteers in peacekeeping was US$ 500 million.  Currently, over 2,000 UNV volunteers are supporting 16 UN peacekeeping and special political operations in 17 countries.

UNV volunteers working in peacekeeping operations are highly skilled and motivated professionals.  They are an average 39 years old, have 5-10 years of relevant work experience, and are 30% female and 70% male.  UNV volunteers serve as civilian peacekeepers in 177 professional categories, including civil administration, electoral assistance and human rights, as well as administrative, logistical and technical roles.  They are instrumental in providing the support framework for the smooth operation of DPKO uniformed peacekeepers, while at the same time creating an enabling environment for development.  UNV volunteers are driven by their commitment to promote sustainable development through volunteerism. 

The distinctive contribution made by UNV volunteers to peacekeeping operations has been strongly endorsed by the UN Secretary General and at the highest levels in DPKO.  At the 59th session of the General Assembly, resolution 59/532 on financing the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), “acknowledges the valuable contribution of the United Nations Volunteers in the United Nations system … and takes note of DPKO’s intention to continue its efforts to exploit the potential for increased use of UNV volunteers in peace-keeping operations in those functions or skills which are not normally available in the Secretariat or which are limited.”

“At the heart of volunteerism are the ideals of service and solidarity and the belief that together we can make the world a better place.  In that sense, we could say that volunteerism is the ultimate expression of what the United Nations is all about.” (Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan)

UNV is the focal point for volunteerism in the UN system.  It pursues distinctive contributions to effective development by advocating the role and benefits of volunteerism, integrating civil society into development programmes, and helping to mobilize volunteers worldwide, including for peacekeeping and electoral support. 
Volunteering provides individuals with an opportunity to share expertise while gaining unique experience and immense personal satisfaction. 

Every year, UNV receives 70,000 applications from potential volunteers.  In 2006, UNV mobilized 7623 volunteers worldwide, representing 163 nationalities.  41% of these came from Africa, with the vast majority (84%) also serving in Africa.  2416 UNV volunteers served in special operations in 2006. 

The UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) has the largest UNV volunteer contingent deployed with UNDPKO anywhere in the world.  In 2006, 665 UNV volunteers, including 151 women, were deployed with MONUC to support the electoral process.

Often serving in dangerous conditions, volunteers can experience situations many of us could never imagine.  During the recent instability in the DRC, UNV volunteer Salamatu Tamba, an IT Technician with MONUC, was stuck in her office for two nights.  Returning home she reports, “I reached the apartment floor and there was no door … the main entrance door was gone; even the living room door was blasted off its hinges and everything was rubble.  I was shaking and trembling all over.”  Her commitment, however, remains firm,
“I will continue the work I came here to do:  help bring stability back to this great country.”

UNV volunteers are currently supporting the following missions:  Afghanistan (UNAMA), Burundi (BINUB), Central African Republic (BONUCA), Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), Eritrea and Ethiopia (UNMEE), Georgia (UNOMIG), Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS), Haiti (MINUSTAH), Ivory Coast (UNOCI), Kosovo (UNMIK), Liberia (UNMIL), Nepal (UNMIN) Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL), Sudan (UNMIS), Timor-Leste (UNMIT) and MINURSO (Western Sahara).