ABSTRACT
For the United Nations Volunteers program (UNV), which began in 1971, the security of its now around 5,000 volunteers annually is a bottom-line issue and one of serious concern. The element of risk is demonstrated by the fact that in August of 1999, 500 UNVs serving in East Timor were evacuated under difficult circumstances to Darwin in Australia, amid the carnage which followed the Popular Consultations. UNV is currently finalizing a CD-ROM, in partnership with UNSECOORD and UNHCR, aimed at increasing awareness of security in general and in the situation specific to the proposed country of assignment to be distributed prior to fielding. The international community must seek to educate men and women worldwide to have respect for those who seek to bring objectivity and impartiality to bear for the benefit of all, and it should introduce deterrent penalties for contravening that principle.
