UNOSOM was established on 24 Apr 1992 by Security Council Resolution 751. In accordance with the agreements reached with the two main Somali factions in Mogadishu, the cease-fire in the capital was to be monitored by a group of 50 unarmed, uniformed United Nations military observers. The observers were to be deployed along the demarcation line separating Mogadishu into two zones. As regards humanitarian assistance, the security personnel envisaged in the agreements were to provide protection and security for United Nations personnel, equipment and supplies at the port of Mogadishu and escort deliveries of humanitarian supplies from there to distribution centres in the city and its immediate environs. They were also to provide security for United Nations personnel, equipment and supplies at the airport in Mogadishu. They were to provide the United Nations� convoys of relief supplies with a sufficiently strong military escort to deter attack; they were authorized to fire in self-defence as a last resort if deterrence should not prove effective.

On 28 Aug, the Security Council, by its resolution 775 authorized an increase in strength of UNOSOM by four additional UN security units, for the protection of the humanitarian convoys and distribution centres throughout Somalia. Several of the Somali de facto authorities refused to agree to the deployment of United Nations troops and only one battalion and military observers were deployed to Mogadishu. Relief shipswere blocked from docking and even shelled. Air and seaports came under fire resulting in the non-delivery of relief supplies to areas where the need was most acute.

On 3 Dec 1992, the Security Council authorized the use of all necessary means to establish, as soon as possible, a secure environment for humanitarian and relief operations in Somalia.The first elements of the Unified Task Force, spearheaded by the United States of America, were deployed in Mogadishu on 9 Dec 1992. Once their task was accomplished, the military command was handed over to the United Nations. Meanwhile, UNOSOM remained fully responsible for the political aspects and for humanitarian assistance to Somalia. In Feb 1994, after several violent incidents and attacks on United Nations soldiers, the Security Council revised UNOSOM II's mandate to exclude the use of coercive methods. UNOSOM II was withdrawn in early Mar 1995. The mandate of UNOSOM II was to assist in the provision of relief, economic rehabilitation, judiciary systems and political reconciliation.

Canadian Military Involvement

United Nations Operation in Somalia (UNOSOM I) (Apr 1992-Mar 1993). Canada contributed an advance party and headquarters staff to UNOSOM I between Oct 1992 and Mar 1993 (Operation CORDON).

United Nations Operation in Somalia II (UNOSOM II) (Mar 1993-Mar 1995). Over the duration of the mission, Canada contributed up to nine Canadian Forces members, at any given time, including Headquarters staff and officers, until 1994 (Operation CONSORT).

The Unified Task Force (UNITAF) UNITAF was established by the Security Council under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. That mission evolved into UNOSOM II, and Canada contributed approximately 1250 military personnel (Operations DELIVERANCE and RELIEF) from Dec 1992 to Mar 1993.

Units to serve with UNOSOM included:

429/436 Transport Squadron (Hercules aircraft)
HMCS Protecteur
Individual observers and staff personnel

Insignia

Qualifying time for the UNOSOM medal was 90 days of service from 24 Apr 1992 to 30 Apr 1993. The background of the ribbon was sand or buff coloured symbolizing the desert, with a wide center band of UN blue flanked by narrow stripes of dark green symbolizing hope. The ribbon's stripes measured: sand (light yellow) (10mm), light green (2mm), UN blue centre (10mm), light green (2mm), and sand (light yellow) (10mm).

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