History
The United Nations Angola Verification Missions, UNAVEM, were a series of three peacekeeping operations spanning 1989 to 1997, established during and after the Angolan civil war. The first mission verified the withdrawal of Cuban troops; the second and third monitored ceasefires, the transition to peace and the elections that followed the long conflict. The three missions shared a single medal and ribbon.
The missions drew military observers, troops and police from many nations. The medal was 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, worn by those Australians whose service qualified.
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, black, white and red stripes, yellow ends.
The ribbon has a central broad band of United Nations blue flanked by three equal stripes of black, white and red, with a wide band of yellow at each end; the black, red and yellow are the colours of the Angolan flag, and the white represents the presence of the United Nations.
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 Angola Verification Missions.
- Ninety days' service with any of the three missions between 1989 and 1997 qualifies;
- 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 Angola Medal awarded for?
Service with the United Nations Angola Verification Missions, three successive operations between 1989 and 1997 that monitored the withdrawal of foreign troops, ceasefires and the transition to peace in Angola.
What do the ribbon colours mean?
A United Nations blue centre with black, white and red stripes and yellow ends; the black, red and yellow are the colours of the Angolan flag, and the white represents the United Nations.
How many missions does it cover?
Three: UNAVEM I of 1989 to 1991, UNAVEM II of 1991 to 1995, and UNAVEM III of 1995 to 1997, all sharing the same medal and ribbon.
What is the qualifying period?
Ninety days' service with any of the three missions.
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.