History
The United Nations Operations in Somalia, UNOSOM, were mounted from 1992 to bring humanitarian relief and a measure of order to Somalia, a country collapsed into famine and civil war. The first operation, UNOSOM I, began in April 1992; after a United States-led task force secured the aid routes, the United Nations took over with the larger UNOSOM II from 1993, which continued amid growing violence until its withdrawal in March 1995.
Australia made a substantial contribution: an Australian battalion group deployed to the Baidoa region in 1993 to secure the delivery of humanitarian aid in one of the worst-affected areas, one of the more demanding Australian operations of the decade. Australians who served received the Australian honours for the operation, and the United Nations medal was awarded for ninety days' service under United Nations command. 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
Sand with a UN blue centre and green stripes.
The ribbon is sand or buff coloured for the desert, with a wide central band of United Nations blue flanked by narrow stripes of dark green for hope.
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 operations in Somalia.
- Ninety days' service under United Nations command in UNOSOM I or UNOSOM II, between 1992 and March 1995, qualifies;
- Australia deployed a battalion group to the Baidoa region in 1993; Australians also received the Australian honours for the operation;
- A numeral on the ribbon marks a further tour. 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 Somalia Medal awarded for?
Service with the United Nations operations in Somalia, UNOSOM I and II, which brought humanitarian relief and attempted to restore order in a country broken by famine and civil war between 1992 and 1995.
What was Australia's role?
Australia deployed a battalion group to the Baidoa region in 1993 to secure the delivery of humanitarian aid in one of the worst-affected areas.
What do the ribbon colours mean?
A sand or buff background for the desert, a central United Nations blue band, and narrow dark green stripes for hope.
How does it relate to Australian medals?
Australians who served received the Australian honours for the operation; the United Nations medal is worn as a foreign award for qualifying service under United Nations command.
What is the qualifying period?
Ninety days' service under United Nations command.
Is it named to the recipient?
No; United Nations medals are issued unnamed.