A Humanitarian’s Journey: A Story of Belief in Humanity and Hope

Humanitarian work is more than a profession, it is a path chosen by heart, where staff of UNHCR and NGOs are faced with human suffering daily, yet they consistently discover extraordinary strength, resilience, and kindness in people they serve. The story of Vitali Maslouski, a UNHCR staff member with nearly 30 years of experience, is one of a man who began helping others and never stopped.

From Student Dreams to a Global Mission

“Working for the United Nations was my dream as a student,” Vitali recalls. His journey began in Belarus, where he studied international law. A pre-graduation internship at the UN office proved to be life changing.

Since the 1990s, Vitali has worked with UNHCR – first as a national Protection Officer in Minsk, and later as an international staff in Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Hungary, Uganda, and the Russian Federation.

“In Belarus, we were working on the country’s accession to the 1951 Refugee Convention. Eventually, a refugee law was adopted … We had to build everything from scratch,” he says.

It was not just about legal frameworks. It was about human lives. “Refugees are a special category of people … They deserve extra care and attention because of what they’ve been through.”

When Humanitarian Work Means Saving Lives

Each new country brought not just a new assignment but immersion into a new reality. In Georgia – displaced persons. In Kyrgyzstan – the fight against statelessness. In Kazakhstan – refugee status determination on a regional level.

One of the most dramatic moments came after the 2005 Andijan events in Uzbekistan, when hundreds fled to Kyrgyzstan. Vitali recalls the creation of a refugee camp by his colleagues, negotiations with authorities, and how the international community came together to protect those at risk.

“It was an inspiring moment, though the story itself was tragic – wounded people, fatalities, those who fled across the border. It was psychologically very difficult.”

The entire camp was evacuated by air – first to Bishkek, then to Timișoara, Romania. “It was the first and, perhaps, the only time as I recall that the entire refugee camp was evacuated by plane. Most of those refugees were eventually resettled to other countries.”

From Field Missions to Training Future Humanitarians

Vitali spent ten months in Pakistan, where the situation was tense, exacerbated by severe flooding. “What struck me most in Karachi was an Afghan refugee family – three generations of women who had never received any education. It was a deeply moving and tragic reflection of the refugee experience.”

After intense fieldwork in Central Asia and Pakistan, Vitali moved to Budapest, to work for UNHCR’s Global Learning and Development Centre. There, for a decade, he focused on training staff in international protection.

“Our training center was one of the best in the UN system in terms of methodology and specialized courses.”

He also helped design emergency response simulations – border interviews, camp operations, coordination with military forces:

“Participants lived in tents, chose camp locations, planned logistics and offices to be built from the ground up – all under pressure, in near-real conditions.”

These trainings not only prepared staff but also revealed who was truly ready for work in emergencies. “It was like an immersive theater performance. If someone could handle it – they were ready to join the response team.”

Uganda: Refugees as Agents of Change

In Uganda, Vitali witnessed a powerful example of refugee-led initiatives. In one settlement, a group of refugees formed their own organization, built an office from local materials, secured small funding, and began repairing homes for the most vulnerable – elderly people, persons with disabilities, single mothers.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, they developed a foot-operated handwashing device, taught sewing and electronics repair, and created mini-workshops. “They walked around and repaired different devices for fellow refugees for free.”

What stood out most was that the people behind this initiative came from different tribes that had been in conflict in South Sudan. In Uganda, these refugees worked together, modeling peaceful coexistence.

“They showed how society can be rebuilt if it is willing to change. I hope they are still doing well.”

Familiar Yet New Horizons

After Uganda, Vitali arrived in the Russian Federation, a country whose context and challenges he knew well. Despite inclusion-related complexity, he sees great potential in refugees.

“They can contribute to society, but they need support. Lives continue … Refugees come to us and say, ‘I am a volunteer. I want to help.’”

Such initiatives, though often quiet, build bridges between communities and foster mutual understanding. Integration takes time and effort, but every step and every story of participation and support make it more real and sustainable.

Humanitarian Work is a Marathon

“You must remember that our work is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires serious commitment,” Vitali stresses.

Humanitarian work demands not only professionalism but deep empathy, emotional resilience, as well as personal sacrifices.

“The hardest part for me is probably being away from my family in some of the duty stations.”

Vitali is also inspired by colleagues, many of whom were once refugees themselves. These stories are not exceptions, but the everyday reality of humanitarian work.

Advice for Those Just Starting Out

"Study the history and culture of the country you will be working in. Talk to people. Learn deeply.”

“Understand that you’ll be speaking with people who have lost a lot. They may have less trust, less joy. Many carry survivor’s guilt.”

“The pain of the world pours onto you. Build your own psychological defenses – without falling into cynicism. Be ready to see a therapist. Vicarious trauma is common in our domain.”

“Stay connected to your motivation: why you are doing this, and who you are helping.”-

And, finally, “One phrase that keeps me going is: ‘A refugee would like to have your problems.’”

The Humanitarian Spirit Lives On

Vitali’s story is not just a career narrative, but a testament to the enduring humanitarian spirit that lives in thousands of people around the world.

It is a reminder that even in the darkest corners of the world, there is light – in the form of help, solidarity, and hope.

“Refugees and those who help them inspire me,” Vitali says. “Some have even received UNHCR’s Nansen Award. Despite everything they’ve been through, they keep going.”

On World Humanitarian Day, we honor people like these. And perhaps, someone reading this story will be inspired to take their first step toward a humanitarian mission.