UN Assistance Mission For Rwanda (UNAMIR)

Context

This mission was established 5 October 1993 to monitor the cease-fire, security situation, and process of repatriation of refugees; to assist with mine clearance and the coordination of humanitarian assistance; and to contribute to the security of the city of Kigali. UNAMIR also contributed to the security of International Tribunal for Rwanda personnel and of human rights offices in Rwanda as well as assisting in the establishment and training of a now-integrated national police force. The UNAMIR mandate came to end in March 1996.

Eligibility and criteria

Awarded for 90 days consecutive service between 5 October 1993 to 31 March 1996.

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 wide centered stripe of UN blue flanked by a narrow stripe of white and three equal stripes of black, green, and red. The black colour represents the volcanic lava and the world-famous gorillas of the area; green is the colour of the local bush vegetation; red represents the African soil.

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 UNOMUR medal and before the UNMIH medal.

Post-nominals

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

Historical notes

The following is a list of members who have died while serving in the theatre of operations:

• Cpl Smith S.F.