11 September 1999

Bonn, Germany: UNV has started deploying 200 international volunteers in Kosovo to assist with civil administration procedures following a request from the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). Under a Memorandum of Understanding, the UN Volunteers will assist with civil administration and be assigned throughout Kosovo to support efforts of the United Nations Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).

UNMIK was established under United Nations Security Council Resolution S/RES/1244 of 10 June 1999 to provide transitional administration, while establishing and overseeing the development of provisional democratic and self-governing institutions for Kosovo. A first group of 50 UNVs is currently being deployed and will serve under the Department of Civil Affairs and assist in the registration and verification process for the issuance of legal documents. The remainder will be deployed by the end of September 1999, primarily to engage Kosovar youth in rehabilitation activities.

Related to the efforts undertaken by UNMIK within the four "pillars" of responsibility, namely humanitarian affairs, civil administration, institution-building and reconstruction, UNMIK and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) have recognized the challenge of fully involving the youth in addressing the emergency needs. In late August, SRSG Bernard Kouchner requested UNV to formulate a programme in support of that segment of the population.

The overall objective of the project presented to Mr. Kouchner on 3 September 1999 is to facilitate and encourage the involvement of the Kosovar youth in local and international emergency/rehabilitation efforts, thus facilitating their civil insertion, training and accession to civic responsibility.

The project constitutes a framework and will act as a catalyst for voluntary service throughout Kosovo within the frame of UNMIK's presence. It provides for the establishment of regional platforms where opportunities for involvement will be identified and matched with the needs and the demands of various partners. The overall project sets out to establish Regional Service Centres (UNV Houses); implement a volunteer mobilization scheme; and issue grants for small-scale civic projects with immediate impact. A first phase of implementation is proposed in the Peje region. The project is under review by UNMIK officials and it is expected to receive start-up funding from UNMIK for the implementation of a pilot phase in the Peje region.