History
The United Nations Protection Force, UNPROFOR, was established in February 1992 as an interim measure to create the conditions of peace and security needed to negotiate a settlement of the Yugoslav crisis, the first United Nations peacekeeping force in the former Yugoslavia. Its role was to keep the designated United Nations Protected Areas demilitarised and their people safe, and its mandate grew to cover the reopening of Sarajevo airport, the protection of humanitarian convoys, and the monitoring of ceasefires across Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Australian personnel served with UNPROFOR during the wars of Yugoslav succession, among the many nations that contributed troops, observers and police. The medal was awarded for ninety days' consecutive service between 1992 and the mission's restructuring at the end of 1995. 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
UN blue with a red centre, green and brown bands.
The ribbon has a United Nations blue background with a wide central red band, for the United Nations Protected Areas, flanked by thin white stripes, a narrow green band to one side for the forests, and a narrow brown band to the other for the mountains.
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 Protection Force in the former Yugoslavia.
- Ninety days' consecutive service between 1 March 1992 and 19 December 1995 qualifies;
- Australian personnel served with the force during the wars of Yugoslav succession; 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 Protection Force Medal awarded for?
Service with the United Nations Protection Force, UNPROFOR, the first United Nations peacekeeping force in the former Yugoslavia, established in 1992 during the wars of Yugoslav succession.
What do the ribbon colours mean?
A United Nations blue background with a wide central red band for the United Nations Protected Areas, flanked by white, with green for the forests and brown for the mountains.
What happened to the mission?
In 1995 UNPROFOR was restructured into separate operations for Croatia and Macedonia, and new missions were established for Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia.
What is the qualifying period?
Ninety days' consecutive service between March 1992 and December 1995.
Did Australians serve?
Yes; Australian personnel served with the force during the wars of Yugoslav succession.
Is it named to the recipient?
No; United Nations medals are issued unnamed.