History
The United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic, MINURCA, was established in 1998 to help restore peace and security after a period of politico-military crisis, taking over from an earlier inter-African force. Its tasks included maintaining security and stability in the capital, supervising the disarmament of former rebels, and supporting the reform of the security forces and the conduct of elections. The mission ran until early 2000.
The mission drew personnel from many nations. The medal is awarded for ninety days' consecutive service between April 1998 and February 2000, and there is no bar. 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 framed by many-coloured stripes.
The ribbon has a central stripe of United Nations blue, flanked on each side by five equal stripes of yellow, green, red, white and dark blue.
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 the Central African Republic.
- Ninety days' consecutive service between April 1998 and February 2000 qualifies;
- There is no bar to the medal; a numeral 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 Central African Republic Medal awarded for?
Service with the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic, MINURCA, established in 1998 to restore peace and security after a politico-military crisis, until 2000.
What do the ribbon colours mean?
A central United Nations blue stripe flanked on each side by five equal stripes of yellow, green, red, white and dark blue.
What did the mission do?
It maintained security in the capital, supervised the disarmament of former rebels, and supported the reform of the security forces and the conduct of elections.
What is the qualifying period?
Ninety days' consecutive service between April 1998 and February 2000.
Is there a bar with this medal?
No; the medal has no bar, though a numeral marks a further tour.
Is it named to the recipient?
No; United Nations medals are issued unnamed.