History
The United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea, UNMEE, was established in 2000 to monitor the ceasefire and the temporary security zone between the two countries after the border war they had fought from 1998. Its military observers and troops watched over the buffer zone while a boundary commission worked to settle the disputed border, until the mission ended in 2008.
The mission drew contributions from many nations. The medal was awarded for the qualifying period of 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 with green and tan stripes.
The ribbon has two outer bands of United Nations blue for the presence of the United Nations, an inner narrow green stripe for the hope and fertility of the land, and two stripes of tan for religious freedom and the rugged country.
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 Ethiopia and Eritrea.
- The qualifying period of service with the mission between 2000 and 2008 is required;
- The mission monitored the ceasefire and the temporary security zone between the two countries;
- A numeral on the ribbon marks a further tour. 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 Ethiopia and Eritrea Medal awarded for?
Service with the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea, UNMEE, established in 2000 to monitor the ceasefire and buffer zone between the two countries after their border war, until 2008.
What do the ribbon colours mean?
United Nations blue for the United Nations, a green stripe for the hope and fertility of the land, and tan stripes for religious freedom and the rugged country.
What did the mission do?
It monitored the ceasefire and the temporary security zone between Ethiopia and Eritrea while a boundary commission worked to settle the disputed border.
What is the qualifying period?
The set qualifying period of 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.