COVID-19 Response in West and Central Africa
Following the immediate crisis response towards the COVID-19 pandemic, UNV in West and Central Africa has provided concrete support to UN entities and governments in their response plans, proving that UN Volunteers are among the first to respond when crises arise. One year after the first cases of COVID-19 in the region, it is important to take a step back and reflect on the effectiveness of our support. What is the added value of our contribution? How impactful is our engagement? This report highlights the contributions of UN Volunteers to crisis management, reflects upon the regional office's response and outlines a way forward for a comprehensive strategy and modus operandi.
Volunteering to reduce the impact of illicit trafficking in Southeast Asian border communities
Fifty national UN Volunteers and UN Community Volunteers) are serving with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) in Southeast Asia. They have been collecting first-hand information on the root causes, implications and possible solutions to illicit trafficking in vulnerable border locations in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Thailand and Viet Nam.
The survey, carried out with financial resources from Japan, aims to provide a better understanding of needs and expectations in border communities, linked to the threats to security and wellbeing posed by illicit trafficking. People living in border communities, particularly in remote areas, tend to be less involved in the development of public policies, thus also benefit less.