When war and catastrophe hit, the United Nations is there. Hear from more of the extraordinary people working at the frontlines of the world's most pressing crises in the new season of Awake at Night, coming on 20 May.

Sitting face to face with the Taliban - Mary-Ellen McGroarty

What does it take to be a United Nations worker in some of the world's most complex and dangerous places? How are UN humanitarians, human rights advocates, prosecutors, development experts, climate leaders and peacekeepers improving our world?  Stationed in all reaches of the world and witness to suffering and atrocities, how are they helping people and coping themselves?  To find out, Melissa Fleming meets them.

Here you will discover extraordinary personal stories from people who devote their lives to helping others.