01 September 2002

Asmara, Eritrea: The Bonn-based United Nations Volunteers Unit continues to be of great support to UNMEE by providing volunteer specialists or UNVs, as they are better known, who are deployed in various components of the Mission in very demanding and responsible positions.

As the 'UNV family' expands in both Eritrea and Ethiopia, UNMEE News is proud to be associated with the work of volunteers, a number of whom are actually serving with PIO. In this regard, we would like to keep track of our UNV colleagues, by highlighting their important contribution to the Mission.

In the words of UNV Shobhakar Budhatoki, a Human Rights Officer based in Adigrat the UNVs are "embracing high human values and volunteer their expertise, effort, and time in making significant contributions to the peace process."

Mr. Budhatoki added that while embracing the spirit of volunteerism, volunteers have continued to involve themselves in the UN efforts in such diverse fields as peace promotion, confidence building, human rights, humanitarian relief to refugees and vulnerable population, community development, and other support works.

"They also assist in health and the promotion of HIV/AIDS awareness," he said and noted that these are some of the most important pursuits of the UNVs in the Mission.

Meanwhile, the PIO Outreach Center Coordinator in Asmara is taking a deserved break from his duties. Paul, a UNV with 18 years of professional broadcasting experience is going back to his home country, Kenya, to make a professional contribution to the General Elections for that country, scheduled later this year. "Just as I hope that the election in my country will be peaceful and successful, my hopes are that the Mission's peace efforts will be successful too," stated Paul.

His philosophy which was nurtured in his early days of strict religious upbringing is encapsulated in his personal slogan of "respect and tolerance for all." It is an attribute that earned him great admiration among colleagues.

The Acting Chief of PIO, Gail Bindley-Taylor Sainte in a written public speech during the celebrations, lauded Paul's efforts towards the success of the International Peace Day. The self-effacing Paul however downplays this achievement, saying " "Without a team work, an individual effort would fail. The credits go to the whole team, the PIO staff, (organizing) Committee and the UN colleagues whom I had excellent collaboration with, throughout my stay in the Mission." Paul said his special thanks to the UNV Unit, UN colleagues and friends. His parting words at the end of September were typical of his journalist background. He said: "By giving credible, accurate and timely information, we dispel fears and mistrust that may lead to further conflicts. It has been a great opportunity and worthwhile challenge."

In two years of the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea, 100 of the UNVs have worked with UNMEE while 80 of them, representing 33 nationalities are currently serving in the Mission area. The number of UNVs serving with UNMEE grew from 12 to 82 based on an outstanding contribution that they have made to the peacekeeping process and the Mission's efforts in Eritrea and Ethiopia.