History

The Commemorative Medal for UN Peacekeeping Operations was established by Royal Decree in 1980, but it was replaced by the Commemorative Medal for Peacekeeping Operations in 2001. It was awarded to military personnel in recognition of at least 3 months of service with a UN Peacekeeping Force.

The medal was awarded on a ribbon that was unique to each recognised UN peacekeeping mission. The following missions have unique ribbons: Yugoslavia (UNPROFOR, UNPF, UNIPTF, UNMIBH), UNTAC, UNMIH II, UNFICYP, and UNMEE. The following missions have the same ribbon: UNTSO, UNOC, UNDOF, UNIPOM, UNTEA, UNYOM, UNTAG, UNAVEM, UNAMIR, UNDP/CMAC, UNOMOZ, UNOMUR, UNTAES, UNITPF, UNSCOM, and UNOPS. The UNIFIL missioned was distinguished with a “LIBANON” clasp, and an "M" clasp was issued to members of the government who served for at least 3 months on a special UN mission.