UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC)

Context

UNTAC was established in February 1992, incorporating the existing Mission, the UN Advance Mission in Cambodia (UNAMIC). The mandate for this Mission relates to human rights, the organisation and conduct of free and fair elections, military arrangements, civil administration, the maintenance of law and order, the repatriation and resettlement of the Cambodian refugees and displaced persons, and the rehabilitation of essential Cambodian infrastructures during the transitional period. After the elections, the Mission was closed on 15 November 1993 and replaced by the United Nations Military Liaison Team (UNMLT). Consisting of 20 military observers, their task was to maintain close liaison with the Cambodian Government, to report to the Secretary-General on matters affecting security in Cambodia, and to assist the Government in dealing with residual military matters related to the Paris Agreement. UNMLT was established for a single period of six months. Military Observers are eligible to receive the UNTAC medal.

Eligibility and criteria

Awarded for 90 days consecutive service from 16 March 1992 to 15 November 1993.

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 features green, to depict the paddy fields which cover most of the country. The white central stripe is flanked by red stripes representing all of the factions’ flags. These are bordered on either side by a band of UN blue and Supreme National Council blue.

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 UNAMIC medal and before the UNSOM 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:

• Pte Symons W.C.