History
The United Nations Operation in Mozambique, ONUMOZ, was established at the end of 1992 to oversee the peace agreement that ended Mozambique's long and devastating civil war. Its tasks were to monitor the ceasefire, oversee the withdrawal and disarmament of the warring forces, and support the humanitarian effort and the elections that would follow. The mission ran until the end of 1994, and is counted a success, the war it ended not resuming.
Australians served with the international effort in Mozambique, including in the work of clearing the landmines that littered the country after years of war. The medal was awarded for ninety days' service. 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
UN blue centre, white and green bands.
The ribbon has a wide central band of United Nations blue flanked by two bands of white for peace, with a band of green at each side for the tropical climate of Mozambique.
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 Operation in Mozambique.
- Ninety days' service with the mission between 1992 and 1994 qualifies; Australians served in the international effort, including mine clearance;
- 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 Mozambique Medal awarded for?
Service with the United Nations Operation in Mozambique, ONUMOZ, established in 1992 to oversee the peace agreement that ended the country's long civil war, running until 1994.
What do the ribbon colours mean?
A United Nations blue centre flanked by white for peace, with green at the sides for the tropical climate of Mozambique.
What was Australia's role?
Australians served in the international effort, including the work of clearing the landmines left across the country after years of war.
Was the mission a success?
It is counted a success: the civil war it helped end did not resume, and Mozambique proceeded to elections.
What is the qualifying period?
Ninety days' service with the mission.
Is it named to the recipient?
No; United Nations medals are issued unnamed.