History
The United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, UNMIBH, was established at the end of 1995, after the Dayton Agreement brought the Bosnian war to a close, and ran until 2002. Its central task was to reform, train and monitor the country's police through an International Police Task Force, helping to rebuild law and order and the rule of law in a shattered nation, alongside work on courts, elections and human rights.
Australia contributed police to the international effort in Bosnia, part of the Australian tradition of civilian police peacekeeping that also served in Cyprus and, later, Timor and the Solomons. The medal was awarded for ninety days' service, with a numeral for a further tour. As a foreign award it takes its place in the Australian Order of Wearing among the United Nations medals.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The medal follows the standard United Nations design: a circular bronze medallion 35 millimetres in diameter, the obverse bearing the emblem of the United Nations, a world map seen from the north pole within a wreath of olive branches, surmounted by the letters UN. The reverse carries the words IN THE SERVICE OF PEACE in relief. United Nations medals are issued unnamed, and the mission is identified by the colours of the ribbon.
The ribbon
White centre, UN blue, green and red bars.
The ribbon has five equal bars: a white centre for peace, flanked by United Nations blue on each side, with a light green stripe on one side for the forests of Bosnia in spring and a red stripe on the other for the sunrise over the mountains.
Clasps
United Nations Number 1
A silver numeral worn on the ribbon of the medal. United Nations numerals record the number of qualifying periods of service completed with the mission.
United Nations Number 2
A silver numeral recording a second qualifying period of service with the mission.
United Nations Number 3
A silver numeral recording a third qualifying period of service with the mission.
United Nations Number 4
A silver numeral recording a fourth qualifying period of service with the mission.
Eligibility
The medal is awarded for service with the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Ninety days' service with the mission between 1995 and 2002 qualifies; Australia contributed police to the international effort;
- A numeral on the ribbon marks a further tour of the same mission;
- As a foreign award it takes its place in the Australian Order of Wearing among the United Nations medals.
Order of wear
United Nations medals are awarded by the United Nations and accepted and worn by Australians who served the mission. In the Australian Order of Wearing they are worn after Australian honours and campaign awards, among the foreign awards, in the sequence set for United Nations service, which generally follows the dates of the missions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UN Bosnia and Herzegovina Medal awarded for?
Service with the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, UNMIBH, established after the Dayton Agreement of 1995 to reform and monitor the country's police and rebuild the rule of law.
What do the ribbon colours mean?
A white centre for peace, United Nations blue at the sides, a light green stripe for the forests of Bosnia in spring, and a red stripe for the sunrise over the mountains.
What was Australia's role?
Australia contributed police to the international effort in Bosnia, part of its long tradition of civilian police peacekeeping.
How does it relate to UNPROFOR?
UNMIBH succeeded the Bosnia work of the earlier UN Protection Force after the war ended, focusing on police reform rather than wartime peacekeeping.
What is the qualifying period?
Ninety days' service with the mission.
Is it named to the recipient?
No; United Nations medals are issued unnamed.