It's more than a courthouse, it's justice within reach

A blog from Democratic Republic of the Congo
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I am Herculan Muntasomo from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. For the past two years, I’ve been part of the construction of the courthouse in Kalemie, a city on the western shore of Lake Tanganyika. This is about much more than modernizing infrastructure. It’s about restoring confidence in the judicial system by providing a functional space for over 100 judges and judicial staff while ensuring justice is within reach for everyone.

The construction of this courthouse is part of the United Nations Joint Support Programme for Justice Reform 2020-2024—under which, this project was launched on April 7, 2022. 

The courthouse is designed to give the four million residents of Tanganyika Province—60 percent of whom are women—better access to justice. 

UNV Executive Coordinator's statement on IVD 2024

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The Executive Coordinator of United Nations Volunteers, Toily Kurbanov marked International Volunteer Day 2024 in Thimphu, Bhutan. Please read his statement as follows.

Hello [ku-zu zang po la]. 

My name is Toily Kurbanov [Ni gi min Toily Kurbanov in]. 

I am the head of UN Volunteers. [UN Volunteers gi gupen in la ]

Honorable Prime Minister, Honorable Speaker, Honorable Cabinet Ministers, Honorable Leader of Opposition, Dashos, UN Resident Coordinator, UN Representatives, and most importantly, Desuups and Volunteers—thank you for being here.

Standing here in front of you, I see more than just mountains; I see the people who move them.

United Nations Secretary-General's statement on IVD 2024

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The task of building a better world belongs to all people. 

On International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development, we honour the women and men who devote their time, energy and skills to make our world a healthier, more peaceful and humane place for all.

Whether responding to natural disasters, supporting communities in conflict or working to alleviate poverty, the selflessness and courage of volunteers shine through. And we are reminded that even the smallest acts have the power to change lives. 

Our own United Nations Volunteers work to advance peace, justice and equality in 169 countries across the globe. This spirit of solidarity is the lifeblood of the Pact of the Future—adopted in September at the United Nations. The Pact illuminates a path forward grounded in trust and cooperation.  

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