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.
| International Search and Rescue Advisory Group | |
| Agency overview | |
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| Agency executive |
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| Parent agency | UNOCHA |
| Website | www.insarag.org |
History
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. These events highlighted challenges in the coordination of international search and rescue operations and the need for common standards.
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. In 2010, the Global Meeting in Kobe, Japan, was held, during which participants adopted the Hyogo Framwork for Action, a 10 year program for disaster risk reduction which ended in 2015.
INSARAG has been involved in the coordination of international teams during several major emergencies, including the 2010 Haiti earthquake, the 2015 Nepal earthquake, and the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake.
Mandate
The INSARAG mandate includes:
- 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.
Leadership
In February 2023, INSARAG leadership comprised a Secretary and regional Sub-Secretaries:
- 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
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