The Medal Parade Ceremony for the First Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment (1FIR) serving under the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) was held in Baghdad, Iraq on Thursday 13 June 2019.
The Parade was reviewed by the Deputy Special Representative for Political Affairs and Electoral Assistance of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, Honorable ALICE WALPOLE, OBE. From the total strength of 168 soldiers both male and female serving in Iraq, a total of 130 soldiers known as the Fiji Guards Unit (FGU) were awarded the United Nations Special Service Medal for their outstanding service with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI).
The United Nations Special Service Medal was established in June 1995, to recognize those military personnel and civilian police serving the United Nations in capacities, other than established peace keeping missions and at United Nations Headquarters.
As for gender breakdown, from the total of 130 medal recipients, 10 were females and 120 were males. In 2004, after the US Invasion in Iraq, the RFMF was invited by the United Nations to observe and secure UN positions, installations and personnel in Iraq under the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) and this year marks the 15th year of RFMF contribution to the UNAMI. The 1FIR personnel serving under the UNAMI continue to maintain its posture in achieving its mission despite the rising tension in the Middle East.
