Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal

The Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal is administered by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. It is awarded to members of recognised charitable or humanitarian groups who provide humanitarian assistance in designated areas of the world.

The medal recognises humanitarian service, which the Regulations define as ‘service that gives immediate remedy to needy or distressed persons in order to sustain their life or dignity; or action to assist needy or distressed persons in order to sustain their life or dignity’.

The medal can be awarded to members of recognised Australian groups who are exposed to risk or danger when giving humanitarian service overseas during international peacekeeping operations or during periods of civil or military strife or war.

Clasps are awarded for eligible service in an operational area.