19 October 2005

Geneva, Switzerland: Kemal Dervis, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and António Guterres, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), yesterday signed a global Memorandum of Understanding to further strengthen the role of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme in responding to the plight of refugees worldwide.

Collaboration between UNHCR and UNV has increased significantly in recent years through the continued placement of UN Volunteers in its operations. So far this year, more than 660 UN Volunteers from 108 countries have supported UNHCR in 69 countries, such as Sudan, Chad, Tanzania, Bosnia and Sri Lanka. They are engaged in various aspects of UNHCR field activities, from support to health and nutrition services in refugee camps, fleet and warehouse management, protection monitoring and repatriation, and infrastructure support for internally displaced persons returning to their communities.

UNV Executive Coordinator, Ad de Raad, said, "This agreement not only strengthens the UNV-UNHCR relationship but sets in motion an enhanced partnership that enables UN Volunteers to continue supporting the work of UNHCR. It also reinforces our shared commitment to reach out and work directly with those in need."