An opportunity to improve human rights

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As a UNV Associate Human Rights Officer, one of my main activities is to observe the situation of human rights in the country, and to ensure follow-up action of cases, especially in the areas of justice administration, violence against women, the use of excessive force by security forces, arbitrary detention, the rights of victims during unconstitutional regimes, freedom of expression and human rights defenders. This experience has been very enriching because I feel that I really contribute to making a difference in people’s lives. My motivation comes from the idea that each step counts, and that even if something is improved in a small way, it can really have an impact.

La Paz, Bolivia:  When I heard about the opportunity to come to Bolivia as a UN Volunteer with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), I was very excited to be able to take on new challenges in my professional and personal life. With a Master’s Degree in International Studies, specializing in Human Rights, and experience in Latin America, I felt that this volunteer opportunity was ideal for me.

Youth unemployment: the foresight experience in Kosovo

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From my very first day working as a UN Youth Volunteer as part of UNDP’s Inclusive Growth Team in Kosovo, I started to realize that all the statistics showing high levels of unemployment, particularly among youth, are hiding the true and disturbing extent of this issue. With more than 35 percent of young Kosovars neither having a job nor going to school, they grow impatient, pessimistic about their chances to have a decent life, and frustrated with not being heard.

Prishtina, Kosovo:  From my very first day working as a UN Youth Volunteer as part of UNDP’s Inclusive Growth Team in Kosovo, I started to realize that all the statistics showing high levels of unemployment, particularly among youth, are hiding the true and disturbing extent of this issue. With more than 35 percent of young Kosovars neither having a job nor going to school, they grow impatient, pessimistic about their chances to have a decent life, and frustrated with not being heard.

Volunteers vital to success of new global development agenda, UN report says

New York, USA
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Volunteers are playing a vital role in making governments worldwide more accountable and responsive to their citizens, but their potential is seriously under-valued, a new report from the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme said today.

The State of the World’s Volunteerism Report 2015 is the first global survey of the contribution of volunteers to better governance, a prerequisite for the success of the new Sustainable Development Goals to be agreed at the United Nations in September.

2011 State of the World’s Volunteerism Report: Universal Values for Global Well-being

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By suggesting how volunteerism can be taken forward, the 2011 State of the World's Volunteerism Report provides an alternative vision of a better society.

The first State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (SWVR) by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme was launched at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States, on 5 December 2011 and about 80 countries around the world.

The SWVR promotes a better understanding of volunteerism. It demonstrates the universality, scope and reach of volunteerism along with new trends in the twenty-first century. The report examines important contributions in diverse fields such as sustainable livelihoods, social inclusion, social cohesion and disaster risk reduction.

2015 State of the World's Volunteerism Report (SWVR) - Transforming Governance

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The State of the World’s Volunteerism Report 2015 is the first global review of the power of volunteer voices to help improve the way people are governed.

Drawing on evidence from countries as diverse as Brazil, Kenya, Lebanon and Bangladesh, the UN report shows how ordinary people are volunteering their time, energies and skills to improve the way they are governed and engaged at local, national and global levels.

Better governance at every level is a pre-requisite for the success of the new set of targets for future international development, the Sustainable Development Goals, which are due to be agreed at the United Nations in September 2015.

UNGA Resolution 40/212: Adoption of 5 December as International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development (IVD)

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On the recommendation of the Second Committee, the UN General Assembly adopted this resolution (A/RES/40/212) on 17 December 1985, establishing 5 December as International Volunteer Day.

UNGA Resolution 52/17: Declaration of 2001 as International Year of Volunteers

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This UN General Assembly resolution ( (A/RES/52/17), adopted 20 November 1997, declaring 2001 the International Year of Volunteers designated the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, the volunteer arm of the UN, as the focal point. The objectives of the Year are increased promotion, recognition, facilitation and networking of voluntary action worldwide. The resolution was co-sponsored by 123 countries.

Commission for Social Development Resolution (32/9): Role of Volunteerism in the Promotion of Social Development - See pages 4-6

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The Commission for Social Development encourages governments to take into consideration volunteerism in their national development planning recognizing contribution of volunteerism to the achievements of social development goals...

UNGA Resolution 56/38: Recommendations on support for volunteering

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This UN General Assembly resolution (A/RES/56/38), co-sponsored by 126 Member States and adopted on 5 December 2001, proposes recommendations on how governments and the United Nations system can support volunteering.

In these recommendations, the terms volunteering, volunteerism and voluntary activities refer to a wide range of activities, including traditional forms of mutual aid and self-help, formal service delivery and other forms of civic participation, undertaken of free will, for the general public good and where monetary reward is not the principal motivating factor.

UNGA Resolution 57/106: Follow-up to the International Year of Volunteers

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This UN General Assembly resolution (A/RES/57/106), co-sponsored by 142 Member States and adopted on 26 November 2002, calls upon stakeholders to support volunteerism as a strategic tool to enhance economic and social development and requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its 60th session on the implementation of the current resolution.

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