INTERNATIONAL SEARCH AND RESCUE ADVISORY GROUP
INSARAG was formally established in 1991, following the coordinated efforts of international Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams responding to major disasters such as the 1985 Mexico earthquake and the 1988 Armenia earthquake.
Recognising the need for better global coordination, INSARAG was created under the United Nations humanitarian system. Its secretariat is based in Geneva within the Emergency Response Section (ERS) of the Response Support Branch (RSB), part of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Strengthening Global Disaster Response
Since its establishment, INSARAG has played a critical role in improving how countries and response teams work together during disasters.
A major milestone came in 2002, when INSARAG supported the adoption of UN General Assembly Resolution 57/150, titled “Strengthening the Effectiveness and Coordination of International USAR Assistance.”
This resolution laid the foundation for stronger international cooperation and remains a cornerstone of INSARAG’s work today.
What INSARAG Does
At its core, INSARAG exists to improve coordination between international USAR teams responding to disasters involving collapsed structures—most commonly caused by earthquakes.
Rather than waiting until disaster strikes, INSARAG focuses heavily on preparedness. It brings teams together in advance to:
- Build relationships and trust
- Establish common procedures
- Agree on operational standards
These efforts ensure that when emergencies occur, teams from around the world can work seamlessly together on the ground.
This collaboration is guided by the INSARAG Guidelines—a continuously evolving framework that captures global best practices and lessons learned from real-world operations.
30 Years of Impact
In 2021, INSARAG marked its 30th anniversary, celebrating three decades of life-saving work and international cooperation.
To commemorate this milestone, several resources were released, including:
These materials highlight INSARAG’s journey, achievements, and continued commitment to saving lives worldwide.