History
The United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda, UNAMIR, was established on 5 October 1993 to help implement a peace agreement and monitor the ceasefire in Rwanda. In April 1994 the country descended into genocide, and the mission, under-resourced and constrained, was able to protect only a fraction of those in danger before it was rebuilt to help stabilise the country in the aftermath. Its mandate ran until March 1996.
Australia contributed a medical support force, with infantry protection, that served two contingents through 1994 and 1995, caring for the sick and injured in a shattered country. Australian personnel were present at Kibeho in April 1995, where they gave medical aid amid great danger and distress, service remembered as among the most harrowing in Australia's peacekeeping history. The medal was awarded for ninety days' service. 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 centre with black, green and red stripes.
The ribbon has a wide central stripe of United Nations blue flanked by a narrow white stripe and then three equal stripes of black, green and red; the black is for the volcanic lava and the gorillas of the region, the green for the bush vegetation, and the red for the African soil.
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 Assistance Mission for Rwanda.
- Ninety days' service with the mission between 1993 and 1996 qualifies; Australia contributed a medical support force with infantry protection;
- 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 Rwanda Medal awarded for?
Service with the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda, UNAMIR, established in 1993 to monitor a ceasefire, and which continued through and after the 1994 genocide until 1996.
What was Australia's role?
Australia contributed a medical support force, with infantry protection, that served two contingents through 1994 and 1995, caring for the sick and injured in the aftermath of the genocide.
What do the ribbon colours mean?
A United Nations blue centre with white, and stripes of black for the volcanic lava and gorillas of the region, green for the bush vegetation, and red for the African soil.
What was the significance of Kibeho?
Australian personnel were present at Kibeho in April 1995, where they gave medical aid amid great danger, service remembered as among the most harrowing in Australia's peacekeeping history.
What is the qualifying period?
Ninety days' service with the mission.
Is it named to the recipient?
No; United Nations medals are issued unnamed.