The International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) is a United Nations advisory body established in 1991 focused on Urban Search and Rescue (USAR). It develops standards, classifications, and methodologies for international coordination in the aftermath of earthquakes and structural collapses. The INSARAG Secretariat is located in the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.
INSARAG was established in 1991 in response to intense earthquake disasters, including the 1985 Mexico City earthquake and the 1988 Spitak earthquake in Armenia.
In 2002, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed INSARAGâÂÂs role through Resolution 57/150, which called for "strengthening the effectiveness and coordination of international USAR assistance". In 2010, participants at the Global Meeting in Kobe, Japan adopted the Hyogo Framework for Action. This was a ten-year program for disaster risk reduction which concluded in March 2015.
INSARAG has been involved in the coordination of international teams during several emergencies, such as the 2010 Haiti earthquake, the 2015 Nepal earthquake, and the 2023 TurkeyâÂÂSyria earthquake.
The INSARAG mandates mention:
Membership in INSARAG is generally open to any country or organization involved in 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 may also have access to the Virtual On-Site Operations Coordination Centre (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.
In February 2023, INSARAG leadership comprised a secretary and regional Sub-Secretaries: