INSARAG Secretariat and Russian Federation’s EMERCOM Conduct First Assessment Mission in Iran, as Part of International Classification Process

Tehran, Iran – The International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) whose secretariat is embedded in the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the Ministry for Civil Defence, Emergency Situations and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters of the Russian Federation (EMERCOM) jointly conducted their first assessment mission in Iran from 9 to 14 March 2024. Capacity building is at the heart of INSARAG and the EMERCOM of the Russian Federation, as a member of the INSARAG network, agreed to provide its technical expertise to support this initiative This mission was part of a process of accompanying two Iranian institutions to in gaining international classification according to the INSARAG standards, i.e.  the Iranian Red Crescent Society and the Tehran Fire Department.

The mission took place at the request of Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and was facilitated by the Tehran Disaster Mitigation and Management Organization (TDMMO) on behalf of the National Disaster Management Organization (NDMO). Throughout the week-long mission, INSARAG and EMERCOM representatives met with Iranian officials and visited the Relief and Rescue Center of IRCS and Training Center of Tehran Fire Department.

This mission established a roadmap for the remaining steps ahead of the completion of the classification process. 

Speaking in a meeting on 13 March 2024 that brought together Dr. Nami, and Nasiri. the heads of respectively NDMO and TDMMO, Mr. Evseev, Mr. Kadykov, Ms. Kozhaeva, and Mr. Korolev, EMERCOM mentors, and Mr. Jaggi from the INSARAG secretariat in Geneva, the UN Resident Coordinator to the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Priesner stated: “INSARAG is a very advanced mechanism for international collaboration in search and rescue which saves lives. I am glad to see that Iran has embarked on the journey to join this important platform.”

Mr. Jaggi added: "The mission conducted by the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group marks a crucial milestone in the journey towards officially classifying the Iranian USAR teams on a global scale. Witnessing the team's unwavering strength and dedication to meeting international standards has inspired us to continue collaborating on enhancing the life-saving abilities of all INSARAG network members."

The INSARAG Classification System

INSARAG is a global network under the United Nations umbrella, which deals with urban search and rescue (USAR) related issues, aiming to establish minimum international standards for USAR teams and methodology for international coordination in earthquake response based on the INSARAG Guidelines endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 57/150 of 2002, on “Strengthening the Effectiveness and Coordination of International Urban Search and Rescue Assistance”. Over the years, INSARAG has grown into a model for international humanitarian assistance, boasting over 90 member states and organizations. Currently, more than 58 international teams from 48 countries have achieved INSARAG External Classification (IEC) status.

The INSARAG External Classification system is a voluntary, impartial, and credible mechanism that ensures disaster response teams operate within the minimum standards outlined in INSARAG Guidelines. These standards cover critical areas like search techniques, urban rescue operations, medical care, team organization, and data management. 

Why Classification Matters

Achieving INSARAG classification is a rigorous process, but the benefits are substantial.  Classification signifies that a team has met these minimum standards, allowing them to deploy internationally with confidence, knowing they can effectively collaborate with other classified teams in disaster zones. This translates to faster, more coordinated rescue efforts, ultimately saving more lives during critical hours. 

Furthermore, INSARAG classification enhances a country's overall disaster preparedness.  The classification process itself strengthens a team's capabilities through rigorous assessment and capacity building.  Additionally, classified teams gain access to INSARAG's global network of resources, training opportunities, and information sharing, fostering continuous improvement.

The INSARAG classification brings international recognition but also reflects USAR’s commitment to the highest standards of professionalism and effectiveness in saving lives during urban search and rescue operations.