When was United Nations Command established?
United Nations Command was established on the 7th of July 1950, following UN Security Council Resolution 84. It was created in response to North Korea's invasion of South Korea on the 25th of June 1950.
Questions about United Nations Command
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How many nations contributed forces to United Nations Command during the Korean War?
22 nations contributed military or medical personnel to United Nations Command during the Korean War. By the 27th of July 1953, when the Armistice Agreement was signed, UNC had reached a peak strength of 932,964 personnel.
Why was the Soviet Union absent when the UN authorized United Nations Command?
The Soviet Union was boycotting the United Nations to protest the award of China's Security Council seat to the Republic of China (Taiwan) rather than the People's Republic of China. That absence prevented a Soviet veto, allowing the Security Council to authorize military force under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
What was the first non-US, non-Korean unit to fight under United Nations Command?
No. 77 Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force was the first non-Korean, non-American unit to see combat. It began escort, patrol, and ground attack sorties from Iwakuni Royal Australian Air Base, Japan, on the 2nd of July 1950.
Who signed the Korean Armistice Agreement on behalf of United Nations Command?
United Nations Command, the Korean People's Army, and the Chinese People's Volunteers all signed the Korean Armistice Agreement on the 27th of July 1953. UNC continues to serve as the signatory and party to the armistice opposite the Korean People's Army.
Is United Nations Command still active today?
Yes. As of 2025, United Nations Command continues to maintain and enforce the Korean Armistice Agreement. A 1975 UN General Assembly resolution had called for its dissolution by the 1st of January 1976, but no peace treaty has replaced the armistice and the command remains operational.