#VolunteersActFirst #IVD2017

International Volunteer Day (IVD) on December 5 is an opportunity to raise awareness on the role that volunteers play responding to crises, despite the insecurity they often face. This year, IVD promotes the contributions of such volunteers at the local, national and international level. For IVD 2017, we showcase volunteers in action in all regions and responding to people’s needs in a wide range of crisis situations, in both developing and industrialized countries: volunteers helping people affected by political or armed conflicts, natural disasters, forced migration, health emergencies and food crises. Volunteers are often the first to offer support in times of crisis and instability. All over the world, volunteers help people and communities being pushed to the brink. Often members of affected communities themselves, volunteers help people to rebuild their lives in the immediate aftershock of a tragic event. Through their ongoing support, volunteers also help people and communities to recover and be better prepared to face uncertainty in the future. Volunteers risk their lives every day to care for people affected by conflict, violence and humanitarian crises.