History
The United Nations Mission in Sudan, UNMIS, was established in March 2005 to support the Comprehensive Peace Agreement that ended the long civil war between the north and south of Sudan, and to help with humanitarian assistance and the protection and promotion of human rights. It monitored the peace through the interim period the agreement set out, and wound up its work in July 2011 on the very day that South Sudan, following a referendum, declared its independence.
The mission drew military observers, troops and police from many nations, and Australia contributed personnel to it. The medal is awarded for ninety days' consecutive 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 with royal blue and white centre stripes.
The ribbon is United Nations blue with three thin stripes of royal blue in the centre, separated by two thin white stripes.
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 Sudan.
- Ninety days' consecutive service between March 2005 and July 2011 qualifies; Australia contributed personnel to the mission;
- 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 Sudan Medal awarded for?
Service with the United Nations Mission in Sudan, UNMIS, established in 2005 to support the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the north and south of Sudan, until 2011.
What do the ribbon colours mean?
United Nations blue with three thin royal blue stripes in the centre separated by two thin white stripes.
What was Australia's role?
Australia contributed personnel to the mission during its years of operation.
When did the mission end?
In July 2011, on the day South Sudan declared its independence following a referendum; a separate mission with its own medal continues in the south.
What is the qualifying period?
Ninety days' consecutive service with the mission.
Is it named to the recipient?
No; United Nations medals are issued unnamed.