UN Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM)

Context

UNAVEM I was to confirm the withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola and to monitor the cease-fire agreement between the government of Angola and the Union for Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). UNAVEM II began following a peace accord which was signed in Lisbon in May 1991. Canadian officers joined the observers to ensure the final withdrawal of Cuban and South African forces.

Eligibility and criteria

Awarded for 90 days consecutive service between 20 December 1988 to 31 June 1997. Canadian participation started in May 1991.

The UN strictly applies their medals policy and will not consider requests for initial issue of the UN medals that are submitted more than one year after repatriation from the mission area.

The qualifying service is not required for members killed or presumed killed while on assignment. In such cases, the medal may be awarded posthumously.

Description

A circular bronze alloy medal, 1.4 inches (35mm) in diameter.

On the obverse, the representation of the UN symbol surmounted by the straight letters UN, both in bas-relief.

On the reverse, an inscription bearing the words "IN THE SERVICE OF PEACE" in English (and only in English).

A 0.5 inch (12mm) bronze ring, which holds the ribbon, passes through a small hollow ball at the top of a claw joined to the top of the medal.

The ribbon contains a central broad band of UN blue flanked by three equal stripes of black, white, and red, with wide yellow bands at either end. The yellow, red, and black colours are representative of the Angolan national flag, with white representing the UN presence in the country.

Bar(s)

There is no bar to this medal.

Wearing

The medal shall be worn in sequence prescribed in the Canadian Orders, Decorations and Medals Directive, and in the following manner: on the left breast, suspended from the ribbon described above, after the UNIKOM medal and before the MINURSO medal.

Post-nominals

The use of a post-nominal is not authorized for this medal.