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{title} Volunteers launch IYV National Committee, mark first World Day of Refugees in Bosnia and Herzegovina BONN, 20 June 2001 -- Volunteers in Bosnia and Herzegovina have marked the first World Day of Refugees in Mostar by launching the country's International Year of Volunteers 2001 (IYV) National Committee. Many members of the new committee work to assist refugees. The three-day launch, from 19 to 21 June, kick-started with a roundtable discussion on volunteering as well as a pop concert, promoting the talent of eight local bands. Other activities include a reception as well as a Bosnia Women's Initiative exhibition on volunteers. The event is being sponsored jointly by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Volunteers programme (UNV). Members of the Bosnian National IYV Committee include UNHCR, the Bosnian Peace Corps, the Federal Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Crescent Society. In addition, there are three UN Volunteers working as part of the national IYV committee in the cities of Mostar, Tuzla and Banja Luka to serve as the IYV coordinators of events in the regions. The UNHCR is a strong supporter of the International Year of Volunteers 2001. In the spirit of the Year, the commission awarded its prestigious Nansen Medal on 14 December 2000 to UNV on behalf of the 1,500 UN Volunteers who served with UNHCR over the past 10 years. The Bosnian IYV National Committee, along with Swaziland in Africa, is one of the latest launching ceremonies for IYV 2001. Currently there are 121 National IYV Committees worldwide with another 75 state and six city committees. The UNV programme is the volunteer arm of the United Nations and acts as focal point for the International Year of Volunteers 2001. It has helped to establish 121 national IYV committees worldwide with over 15,000 constituents working for the promotion, recognition, networking and facilitation of volunteers. ### For more information on IYV National Committees, visit: http://www.iyv2001.org Information about the pop concert can be found by visiting: http://muzika.bosnia.ba/ Contact: |
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