In the interest of international peace and security, the Mission was established in March 1964 to use its best efforts to prevent the recurrence of fighting between the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots and, as necessary, to contribute to the maintenance and restoration of law and order and a return to normal conditions. Since the hostilities of 1974, the mandate has included supervising the cease-fire and maintaining a buffer zone between the lines of the Cyprus National Guard and of the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot forces. The Mission continues to the present date.
The medal has three equal bars, one of white in the centre and two of UN blue at either end. The bars are separated by two narrow bands of dark blue symbolizing the Mediterranean Sea. Qualifying time for the medal is three months of service in the Mission.
The following countries have provided troops to this Mission: Austria, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, India, Ireland, the Kingdom of Netherlands, Slovenia, Sweden, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the following countries provide civilian policemen: Australia, Austria, Denmark, New Zealand and Sweden.