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Ethical Considerations

INSARAG acknowledges and embraces the cultural diversity of countries around the world.

INSARAG operates in accordance with the Humanitarian Principles, which form the core of humanitarian action. The conduct of deployed USAR team members is a primary concern of INSARAG, the assisting and affected countries, and the local officials of the affected country.

Ethical considerations include human rights, legal, gender, moral, and cultural issues. They concern the relationship between USAR team members and the community of the affected country and should practice inclusiveness in their approach.

All members of an INSARAG USAR team are ambassadors of their team and their country and represent the wider INSARAG community. Any violation of principles or behaviour unbecoming by team members is viewed as unprofessional. Any inappropriate behaviour discredits the good work of the USAR team and reflects poorly on the entire team's performance and their home country, as well as the wider INSARAG community.

USAR teams that deploy internationally must be professional and self-sufficient to ensure they are at no time a burden to the already overwhelmed country they are trying to assist.

Ethical considerations for USAR teams:

  1. The conduct of deployed USAR Team members is a primary concern to INSARAG, the assisting and affected countries, and the local officials of the affected country.
  2. USAR Teams should always aim to be perceived as representatives of a well organised, highly trained group of specialists who have been assembled to help communities in need of their specialist assistance. At the end of a mission, USAR Teams should have ensured their performance has been positive, and they will be remembered for the outstanding way they conducted themselves in the work environment and socially.
  3. Ethical considerations include human rights, legal, moral and cultural issues and concern the relationship between USAR Team members and the community of the affected country.
  4. All members of an INSARAG USAR Team are ambassadors of their team, their country and represent the wider INSARAG community. Any violation of principles or behaviour unbecoming by team members will be viewed as unprofessional. Any inappropriate behaviour may discredit the good work of the USAR Team and will reflect poorly on the entire team's performance, their home country as well as the wider INSARAG community.
  5. At no time during a mission should USAR Team members take advantage of or exploit any situation or opportunity, and it is the responsibility of all team members to conduct themselves in a professional manner always.
  6. USAR Teams that deploy internationally must be self-sufficient to ensure they are at no time a burden to the already overwhelmed country they are trying to assist.

INSARAG operates in accordance with the Humanitarian Principles, which form the core of humanitarian action.

Sensitive issues to consider:

  1. The value that the local community attaches to life
  2. Cultural awareness including race, religion and nationality
  3. Wearing of sunglasses during conversations may be deemed to be inappropriate
  4. Communication barriers due to language differences
  5. Differences in work ethics and values
  6. Different local apparel
  7. Local customs regarding food and manners
  8. Local law enforcement practices
  9. Local policy on weapons
  10. Local living conditions, local driving habits and customs
  11. Local policy on the use of different medications
  12. Use of alcohol and illegal drugs
  13. Handling of sensitive information
  14. Use of search dogs
  15. Care and handling of patients and/or the deceased
  16. Dress code or standards
  17. Gender restrictions
  18. Recreational restrictions
  19. Local communication restrictions and accepted use
  20. Taking of and showing pictures of victims or structures
  21. Collecting of souvenirs (building parts, city signs etc.) is strictly forbidden
  22. Defacing property such as occurs with the use of the structural marking system
  23. Access into restricted areas (military, religious, etc.)
  24. Moral standards
  25. Consideration for other teams’ capabilities and operating practices
  26. Use of gratuities to promote cooperation
  27. Political issues
  28. Any actions or behaviour that may aggravate stressful situations
  29. Smoking indiscriminately
  30. Ethical use of the social media and the network alike