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 and Canadian officers joined the observers to ensure the final withdrawal of Cuban and South African forces.

UNAVEM III was mandated to monitor the implementation of the Lusaka Protocol in 1995 by Resolution 976. UNAVEM III was also charged with helping the parties achieve national reconciliation. UNAVEM III�s mandate ended in Jun 1997 with the establishment of the United Nations Observer Mission in Angola (MONUA) by SC Resolution 1118.

Canadian Military Involvement

Canada participated in UNAVEM II from Jul 1991 to Apr 1993 and contributed 15 UN Military Observers during that period (Operation PASTEL).

Insignia

Ninety days service with the mission between 20 Dec 1988 and 31 Jun 1997 entitled a Canadian serviceman to the UNAVEM Medal. (Canadian participation did not start until May 1991, however.) The ribbon consisted of 9 coloured stripes; 8mm yellow, 2mm red, 2mm white, 1mm black, 9mm UN blue, 1mm black), 2mm white, 2mm red, and 8mm yellow.

The medal was awarded to 15 Canadian observers.

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