The following are brief descriptions of the international missions in which Canada has participated from the end of the Cold War to the present day.

1965-98, Cyprus
Canada’s longest UN Peacekeeping mission to date was created to prevent recurrence of fighting between the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots in the ongoing dispute over the island of Cyprus. Canada guarded the buffer zone separating the belligerents for over three decades, including during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974.

1990-91, Qatar
After Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, Canada participated in a coalition of countries to force Iraq out, establishing bases in Doha, Qatar to operate and support a squadron of CF-18 aircraft.

1992-93, Cambodia
This mission monitored the ceasefire in place between government forces and the Khmer Rouge, and to assist with and oversee the first democratic elections held in Cambodia for decades. Later, the mission to Cambodia included the mandate to establish mine awareness, as well as to monitor disarmament and cantonment of factions. Approximately 240 Canadian Forces personnel served at any given time.

1992-94, Somalia
Canada entered Somalia with 20 other nations to provide assistance in relief, economic rehabilitation, judiciary systems and political reconciliation to a country that had been ravaged by over 20 years of civil war and lawlessness. During the mission, Canada contributed up to 900 Canadian Forces members at any given time, including Headquarters staff and officers.

1992-present, Former Yugoslavia
Canada was a major contributor of personnel, equipment, and expertise throughout the numerous UN and NATO missions in the former Yugoslavia, from the first forces deployed to the region in February 1992 to the present day. Canadian personnel have been present throughout the region, including operations in Croatia, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Serbia and Montenegro, maintaining security and delivering humanitarian aid.

1994-97, Rwanda
This mission was established to provide security and protection of displaced persons, refugees and civilians at risk in Rwanda as well as to provide support for the distribution of relief supplies and humanitarian relief. Canadian Lt.-Gen. Roméo Dallaire led this mission to supervise the warring Tutsi and Hutu population. Canada provided a logistics support unit of up to 112 Canadian Forces personnel.

1995-96, Haiti
This mission was established to create a secure environment and train a Haitian National police force, as well as to provide electoral support. Canada provided up to 500 military personnel and approximately 100 civilian police throughout the mission period.

1998-99, Central African Republic
Canada’s maintained security and stability in the capital city, helped deliver a short-term police training program, and assisted and supported national elections. Over 50 Canadian personnel were present during the national elections of 1999.

2002-present, Afghanistan
Following September 11, 2001, Canada has been the largest participator in the NATO-led invasion of Afghanistan, after the United States and the United Kingdom. Approximately 15,000 Canadian troops have been stationed in Afghanistan since 2002, with over 2000 Canadian personnel in Afghanistan at any given time.

2004-05, Sri Lanka
Canada’s Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), consisting of approximately 200 Canadian Forces staff including doctors, engineers, and technicians, provided disaster relief following the Indian Ocean tsunami from the end of December 2004, until February 2005.