UN Mission for the Referendum In Western Sahara (MINURSO)

This mission was established to hold a referendum for determining the future of the region and to provide movement control. The major issue was to decide if the people of the Western Sahara wanted independence or integration with Morocco. Following the election, the mandate was to monitor the cease-fire.

Awarded for 90 days consecutive service from 01 May 1991 to present.

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 has a very wide central band of a sandy brown colour, representing the Sahara Desert, with two narrow bands of UN blue at either end.

There is no bar to this medal.

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 UNAVEM medal and before the ONUSAL medal.

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