Volunteers have contributed to the success of our strategic deliverables at all levels in the field and the region. --Othman Belbeisi, IOM Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa 

The migration corridor between Myanmar and Thailand is one of the top 20 in size globally and the largest in the Asia-Pacific region. An estimated 10,000 individuals enter Thailand monthly through just two of 10 observed border provinces. Of these, 15 per cent cite the quest for safety as a reason for leaving home.

Through my assignment with IOM, I help to increase the understanding of the positive contribution of migrants towards their communities and enhance their inclusion. Migrants are a vulnerable group affected by multiple forms of discrimination and therefore deserve attention. I believe that migrants should be recognized as agents for development. If people had more positive attitudes towards migrants, this would help in preventing discriminatory treatment within society. 

In Niamey, 10 UN volunteers serve in UNHCR offices as interpreters. Thanks to their commitment, capacities in languages and communications as well as linguistic and cultural proximity with the refugees, they improve the quality of protection and assistance provided to refugees, facilitate interviews, registrations, medical services etc., to better guarantee their rights and well-being. Gabriela Fana Kidane, a young Swedish interpreter of Eritrean origin is an international UN Volunteer with UNHCR in Niamey, Niger.