History
The United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste, UNMIT, was authorised on 25 August 2006, after a political and security crisis shook the young nation that had become independent only four years before. Its task was to help the government restore and maintain stability, strengthen democratic governance, and support national reconciliation, including the rebuilding of the national police. The mission ran until the end of 2012.
Australia returned to Timor in strength during the 2006 crisis, and Australian police served with UNMIT as it worked to re-establish law and order, continuing the long Australian engagement with its near neighbour. The medal is awarded for ninety days' consecutive service, and there is no bar. 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 red, yellow, black and white centre.
The ribbon is United Nations blue with a central red stripe flanked by thin stripes of yellow, black and white, the colours of the flag of Timor-Leste.
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 Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste.
- Ninety days' consecutive service between 25 August 2006 and 31 December 2012 qualifies; Australian police served with the mission;
- There is no bar to the medal; a numeral 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 Timor-Leste Medal awarded for?
Service with the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste, UNMIT, established in 2006 to help the young nation through a security crisis and rebuild its police.
How is it different from the East Timor Medal?
The East Timor Medal covers the 1999 to 2003 missions to independence; this medal covers the later Integrated Mission of 2006 to 2012, and carries the flag colours rather than the sunrise colours.
What do the ribbon colours mean?
United Nations blue with a central red stripe and thin stripes of yellow, black and white, the colours of the flag of Timor-Leste.
What was Australia's role?
Australia returned to Timor during the 2006 crisis, and Australian police served with UNMIT as it worked to restore law and order.
What is the qualifying period?
Ninety days' consecutive service between 2006 and 2012.
Is it named to the recipient?
No; United Nations medals are issued unnamed.