History
The United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission, UNIKOM, was established in April 1991, after the Gulf War, to monitor the demilitarised zone along the boundary between Iraq and Kuwait and the Khor Abdullah waterway, and to deter and report any violations. It watched over the border through the long years of tension that followed, until it came to an end in March 2003.
Australia contributed military observers and personnel to UNIKOM across its years of operation, part of the international group on the boundary. 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.
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
A thin UN blue stripe between two sand bands.
The ribbon has a narrow central stripe of United Nations blue, surrounded by two broad bands of sand or desert colour for Iraq and Kuwait.
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 Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission.
- Ninety days' service with the mission between April 1991 and March 2003 qualifies; Australia contributed observers and personnel;
- 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 Iraq Kuwait Medal awarded for?
Service with the United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission, UNIKOM, established in 1991 after the Gulf War to monitor the demilitarised zone on the boundary between Iraq and Kuwait, until 2003.
What do the ribbon colours mean?
A narrow central stripe of United Nations blue surrounded by two broad bands of desert sand for Iraq and Kuwait.
What was Australia's role?
Australia contributed military observers and personnel across the mission's years of operation.
What is the qualifying period?
Ninety days' 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.