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International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) is an advisory body established in 1991 to facilitate coordination among international search and rescue teams. It focuses on Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) and develops standards, classifications, and methodologies for international coordination in the aftermath of earthquakes and collapsed structure disasters. The INSARAG Secretariat is located in the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.[1]
German aid organization "@fire" classified by INSARAG as the world's first "USAR Light" earthquake rescue team
INSARAG was established in 1991 following international experiences in large-scale earthquake disasters, including the 1985 Mexico City earthquake and the 1988 Spitak earthquake in Armenia.[2] These events highlighted challenges in the coordination of international search and rescue operations and the need for common standards.[3]
In 2002, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed INSARAG’s role through Resolution 57/150, which called for strengthening the effectiveness and coordination of international Urban search and Rescue assistance.[4]
Since its formation, INSARAG has organized regional and global meetings to review standards and procedures. In 2010, the Global Meeting in Kobe, Japan, was held, during which participants adopted the Hyogo Declaration.[5]
Developing effective international USAR procedures and operational standards.
Implementing the Strengthening the Effectiveness document.
Improving cooperation and coordination among international USAR teams at disaster sites.
Promoting USAR preparedness activities in disaster-prone countries.
Developing standardized guidelines and procedures.
Sharing best practices among national and international USAR teams.
Defining minimum requirements for international USAR teams.
Membership
Membership in INSARAG is open to any country or organization involved in Urban search and Rescue (USAR). Prospective members must designate a national focal point to liaise with the INSARAG Regional Group and Secretariat. Organizations apply through their national focal point. Although not required for membership, countries with internationally deployable USAR teams are encouraged to obtain INSARAG External Classification (IEC).
Members participate in regional meetings and contribute to INSARAG working groups. They also access the Virtual On-Site Operations Coordination Centre (Virtual OSOCC) and the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS) for real-time alerts and coordination tools. The INSARAG Secretariat maintains the USAR Directory, listing member countries and their USAR teams.[10]
Leadership
INSARAG members convening in Argentina, November 2019
In February 2023, INSARAG leadership comprised a Secretary and regional Sub-Secretaries:[11]
Sebastian Rhodes Stampa, Secretary of INSARAG
Haruka Ezaki, Sub-Secretary for Asia-Pacific
Lucien Jaggi, Sub-Secretary for Middle East and North Africa
Clement Kalonga, Sub-Secretary for Africa
Ana Maria Rebaza, Sub-Secretary for the Americas
Stefania Trassari, Sub-Secretary for Europe and the CIS
↑Albala-Bertrand, J. M. (2000). "Responses to Complex Humanitarian Emergencies and Natural Disasters: An Analytical Comparison". Third World Quarterly. 21 (2): 215–227. doi:10.1080/01436590050004346.
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