International Search and Rescue Advisory Group

The 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]

INSARAG

International Search and Rescue Advisory Group
Agency overview
Agency executive	Sebastian Rhodes Stampa, Secretary of INSARAG
Parent agency	UNOCHA
Website	www.insarag.org

History

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]

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) hosts the INSARAG Secretariat at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.^[1]

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. A notable milestone was the 2010 Global Meeting in Kobe, Japan, where participants adopted the Hyogo Declaration, reinforcing the importance of preparedness and international cooperation in disaster response.^[5]

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.^[6][7][8]

Mandate

Gary Carroll and his dog Diesel from the UK's International Search and Rescue team in Chautara, April 2015

The INSARAG mandate includes:^[9]

• 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