CLIENT: DEMAND.FILM
OUTLET: SBS NEWS ONLINE
An Anzac peacekeeping mission to Bougainville in the wake of the tiny Pacific Island’s savage civil war is finally getting recognition for its efforts to bring order - with guitars instead of rifles.
Bougainville was devastated by the decade-long conflict during the 1990s, which claimed at least 20,000 lives - or almost one-sixth of the population - and required the intervention of a multi-nation peacekeeping force.
Australian and Kiwi troops have proudly served as peacekeepers, in conjunction with the United Nations, around the world. But this tour of duty was slight different: the troops were unarmed, on the advice of New Zealand Army Brigadier Roger Mortlock.