The prestigious United Nations Peacekeepers' Medal Awarding Parade for military Observers deployed in the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINUSRO) was held on 30 April 2025.

Special Representative for Western Sahara and Head of MINURSO Alexander Ivanko, together with Force Commander Major General Md Fakhrul Ahsan, presided over the ceremony of awarding the UN Medal to MINURSO Military Observers (UNMOs). A total of 19 UNMOs from 17 countries were recognized for their service to peace whilst on deployment to MINURSO.

Notably, for the first time in history, a lady officer of SLAF, Squadron Leader Nishadi Pieris, was awarded the prestigious UN Medal as a Military Observer, in recognition of her dedication to the global effort for peace. She was deployed to the mission on 28 June 2024, making a significant milestone in the SLAF.

The United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara was established by the United Nations Security Council in 1991 through Resolution 690, following a ceasefire agreement between Morocco and the Polisario Front, the liberation movement seeking independence for Western Sahara

The Chief Guest expressed his profound appreciation with respect to the exceptional level of professionalism of the International military observers in MINURSO which plays a crucial role in conducting regular patrols, verify compliance with the ceasefire agreement, investigate violations and report their findings to the United Nations.