History
The United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire, known by its French initials ONUCI, was established in 2004 to help the parties to the Ivorian conflict implement the peace agreement they had signed, after the civil war that had split the country in two. It monitored the ceasefire and the disarmament of the forces, protected civilians, and supported the elections and the return of stability, through the crisis that followed the disputed election of 2010, until it ended in 2017.
The operation drew troops, observers and police from many nations. 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, 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 orange, white and green centre stripes.
The ribbon is United Nations blue with three thin stripes of orange, white and green grouped together in the centre, the colours of the flag of Cote d'Ivoire; the orange stands for the savanna grasslands of the north, the white for peace and unity, and the green for the coastal forests and the hope of a bright future.
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 Operation in Cote d'Ivoire.
- Ninety days' service with the mission between 2004 and 2017 qualifies;
- The mission monitored the ceasefire and disarmament and supported the elections and the return of stability;
- 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 Ivory Coast Medal awarded for?
Service with the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire, ONUCI, established in 2004 to help implement the peace agreement after the Ivorian civil war, until 2017.
What do the ribbon colours mean?
United Nations blue with orange, white and green for the flag of Cote d'Ivoire: orange for the northern savanna, white for peace and unity, and green for the coastal forests and hope.
What did the mission do?
It monitored the ceasefire and disarmament, protected civilians, and supported the elections and return of stability, including through the crisis after the disputed 2010 election.
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.