Event on the activities of the International Search and Rescue Unit of the MES  in International Humanitarian Operations Held at the Academy of the Ministry of Emergency Situations

An event titled "The Activities of the International Search and Rescue Unit of the Ministry of Emergency Situations in International Humanitarian Operations" was held at the Academy of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES).

The event was organized jointly by the Main Operations Department and the Main Department for Regional Centers Management, Project Administration, and Educational Affairs of the Ministry.

The primary objective of the event was to enhance the knowledge and improve the skills of the Academy’s cadets regarding international humanitarian operations. During the event, deputy chief of the MES Main operations department and commander of the International Search and Rescue Unit, colonel Alasgar Aliyev, emphasized that, thanks to the attention and care of the Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan, President Ilham Aliyev, the Ministry of Emergency Situations has been equipped with state-of-the-art technology and equipment. He stated that necessary measures are continuously being implemented to ensure the prompt and high-quality execution of the President's instructions in the field of humanitarian activities. It was highlighted that systematic initiatives are carried out to improve the knowledge and skills of the personnel. Furthermore, it was noted that the search and rescue units of the Ministry are not only actively engaged in search and rescue operations within the country but also have the capability to represent Azerbaijan with dignity in international humanitarian operations.

Colonel A.Aliyev also shared insights on the involvement of the Ministry’s forces in mitigating the consequences of the earthquake that struck the Republic of Türkiye in 2023, providing the cadets with valuable field experience.

Speaking at the event, Azadi Guliyev**, head of department of the Main department for regional centers management, project administration and Educational Affairs of MES, underscored the significance of the event for the cadets. He highlighted the importance of familiarizing the cadets with the activities of the International Search and Rescue Unit.
He also informed the attendees that the International Search and Rescue Unit was established under the Ministry to ensure Azerbaijan’s honorable representation in humanitarian operations. He noted that in September 2024, the Unit successfully passed the classification of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) and the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG).

During the theoretical segment of the two-day event, cadets of the MES Academy specializing in Life Safety were introduced to various topics, including: "Psychological first aid in emergencies", "Management and coordination of international search and rescue operations, "Establishment of the Reception and departure center (RDC) and USAR Coordination Center (UCC)", "Implementation of the INSARAG Coordination and Management System (ICMS)", "The Role of media in international humanitarian operations", "Rescue and general safety measures in international humanitarian operations", During the practical segment, the cadets actively participated in the operations of the Unit’s management, Reception and Departure Center (RDC), and USAR Coordination Center (UCC) at the Academy’s training facility. They were also introduced to documentation processes and information-communication technology equipment in accordance with the INSARAG guidelines.

At the conclusion of the event, an extensive discussion was held on the topic.