United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) 1964 -

Date from 01 January 1964
Collection type Conflict
Scope note The Mission was established in March 1964 in an attempt 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 to prevent further fighting between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots on the island. The AFP provides 15 officers on yearly rotation to the 20-nation force which serves in policing, military and civilian roles. The policing contingent oversees law enforcement within the buffer zone between Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities. AFP officers also support the civil affairs branch of the mission to deliver humanitarian services and assist the military branch maintain the integrity of the buffer zone. Comments: From 1964 to 1976 all Australian Police Forces contributed volunteer personnel to the UN Force in Cyprus. From 1976 the Commonwealth Police took over the role until 1979 when the duty passed to the newly created AFP.