History
The African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur, UNAMID, was established by the Security Council in 2007 and took up its work at El Fasher in January 2008, replacing the earlier African Union mission. Unusual in being run jointly by the United Nations and the African Union, it was mandated to protect civilians, support humanitarian assistance, monitor agreements and promote human rights and the rule of law in the Darfur region of western Sudan, where conflict had brought great suffering.
The mission drew troops, observers and police from many nations. The medal is awarded for ninety days' consecutive service from January 2008, 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 with white, gold and green stripes.
The ribbon is United Nations blue with a central white stripe flanked by stripes of yellow-gold and green; the blue and white are the United Nations colours, the gold and green represent the African Union, and Sudan is represented by the green and white, white also being the colour of peace.
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 African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur.
- Ninety days' consecutive service from January 2008 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 Darfur Medal awarded for?
Service with the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur, UNAMID, which took up its work in 2008 to protect civilians and support peace in the Darfur region of western Sudan.
What makes the mission unusual?
It was a hybrid operation run jointly by the United Nations and the African Union, rather than by the United Nations alone.
What do the ribbon colours mean?
United Nations blue and white for the United Nations, gold and green for the African Union, with green and white also representing Sudan and white the colour of peace.
What is the qualifying period?
Ninety days' consecutive service from January 2008.
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.