History
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan, UNMISS, was established in July 2011, on the day South Sudan became an independent nation, to help the new state build peace and security and to support its development and the protection of its people. When civil war broke out in 2013 the mission's focus turned to protecting civilians, many of whom sheltered in its bases, and it continues its work today.
Australia has contributed personnel to UNMISS, including staff officers and specialists serving with the mission. The medal is awarded for ninety days' service; a numeral marks 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
UN blue edges with white stripes and a green centre.
The ribbon has bands of United Nations blue at each edge, then two white stripes and a central green stripe, the white for peace and the green for the land.
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 South Sudan.
- Ninety days' service with the mission from 2011 qualifies; Australia has contributed personnel, including staff officers and specialists;
- 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 Mission in South Sudan Medal awarded for?
Service with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, UNMISS, established in 2011 when South Sudan became independent, to help build peace and, from 2013, to protect civilians in the civil war.
What do the ribbon colours mean?
United Nations blue at the edges for the United Nations, with white stripes for peace and a central green stripe for the land.
What is Australia's role?
Australia has contributed personnel to the mission, including staff officers and specialists.
What is the qualifying period?
Ninety days' service with the mission.
How is a further tour shown?
By a numeral attached to the ribbon.
Is it named to the recipient?
No; United Nations medals are issued unnamed.