History
The United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan, UNMOGIP, was established in 1949 to supervise the ceasefire between India and Pakistan along the line dividing the disputed state of Jammu and Kashmir, and its observers remain there today. A second, short mission, the United Nations India-Pakistan Observation Mission, UNIPOM, watched the wider border during the war of 1965 and 1966. The same medal and ribbon serve both.
Australia was among the earliest contributors: Australian military observers served in Kashmir from 1950, one of the nation's first peacekeeping commitments, and continued for decades. The medal is awarded for six months' service with UNMOGIP or ninety days with UNIPOM, and 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
Green centre and white stripes with UN blue edges.
The ribbon has a wide central band in shades of green, for the Himalayan range and the Kashmir valley, flanked by narrow white stripes for the snow-capped mountains, with a band of United Nations blue at each edge.
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 observer missions in India and Pakistan.
- Six months' service with UNMOGIP, or ninety days with the UNIPOM mission of 1965 to 1966, qualifies;
- Australian observers served in Kashmir from 1950, one of Australia's earliest peacekeeping commitments; 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 India Pakistan Medal awarded for?
Service with the United Nations observer missions on the Kashmir ceasefire line: UNMOGIP, established in 1949, and the short UNIPOM mission of 1965 to 1966.
What do the ribbon colours mean?
The wide green centre represents the Himalayan range and the Kashmir valley, the white stripes the snow-capped mountains, and the blue edges the United Nations.
What is its Australian connection?
Australian military observers served in Kashmir from 1950, one of Australia's earliest peacekeeping commitments, continuing for many years.
What is the qualifying period?
Six months with UNMOGIP, or ninety days with the UNIPOM mission of 1965 to 1966.
How is a second tour shown?
By a numeral attached to the ribbon.
Is it named to the recipient?
No; United Nations medals are issued unnamed.