Articles of Association of Human Remains Detection Dog International (HRDD International)
Network for civilian human remains search and recovery in the context of accident and disaster relief ⸻
§1 Name, Registered Office and Legal Status
The network bears the name “Human Remains Detection Dog International”. The abbreviated form is “HRDD International” Human Remains Detection Dog International is a community of interest in the sense of an unregistered association of persons under German law. The organisation is a voluntary association of organisations and experts.
It does not pursue any commercial objectives. The registered office of the community of interest is the respective place of business of the CEO. ⸻ §2 Mission and Vision
Mission Human Remains Detection Dog International promotes quality, professionalism and cooperation in civilian search and recovery operations within the context of accident and disaster relief. It creates a platform for professional exchange, the development of practice-oriented approaches, and the networking of relevant stakeholders from operational practice, academia and public authorities.
Vision Human Remains Detection Dog International aims to operate as a professionally recognised platform on the international stage, contributing significantly to the further development of standards, methods and interdisciplinary cooperation in the search for human remains.
In the long term, the aim is to establish a shared understanding of quality that ensures efficiency, dignity and care in dealing with the deceased and their relatives. ⸻ §3 Purpose and Objectives
The purpose of Human Remains Detection Dog International is to promote quality and cooperation in civilian human remains search. Human Remains Detection Dog International does not undertake any operational tasks.
This purpose is realised in particular through: Professional exchange and networking among members Development and establishment of uniform quality standards Development of binding recommendations and guidelines Promotion of training and further education Supporting authorities and organisations with security responsibilities Promoting interdisciplinary cooperation with other organisations Promoting research and innovation in the field of civilian search for missing persons Promoting knowledge transfer and best practices ⸻ §4 Membership
Membership is open to natural and legal persons who are professionally active in this field or have a legitimate interest. These include, for example, aid organisations, search dog teams, authorities and institutions, as well as individuals with the relevant professional qualifications.
Members undertake to recognise the Articles of Association and quality standards. Admission is granted upon application by decision of the CEO. There is no entitlement to admission. Membership is free of charge; no membership fees are levied.
Membership ceases upon: Resignation Death (in the case of natural persons) Dissolution of an organisation Expulsion ⸻ §5 Rights and obligations of members
Members are entitled to: participate in the activities of Human Remains Detection Dog International contribute professional expertise participate in networking activities submit proposals and motions for further development
Members are obliged to: support the objectives of Human Remains Detection Dog International comply with the quality standards of Human Remains Detection Dog International participate in quality assurance measures share relevant information, particularly technical information adhere to the principles of professionalism, respect and confidentiality promote the objectives of Human Remains Detection Dog International refrain from any actions that could harm the organisation ⸻ §6 Organisation
The governing bodies of HRDD International are: the CEO the Advisory Board Specialist groups / Working groups ⸻ §7 CEO
The CEO is the executive and decision-making authority of Human Remains Detection Dog International. He represents the organisation externally. The CEO acts in a voluntary capacity. The CEO has the final say in all matters, unless otherwise specified in these Articles of Association.
His duties include, in particular: strategic management and further development admission and expulsion of members organisation of activities appointment of the Advisory Board ⸻ §8 Advisory Board
The Advisory Board consists of professionally qualified individuals from relevant disciplines. The members of the Advisory Board are appointed and dismissed by the CEO.
Tasks of the Advisory Board: providing expert advice to the CEO support on quality issues providing impetus for strategic development establishing and commissioning specialist groups and working groups in agreement with the CEO. ⸻ § 9 Specialist Groups and Working Groups
Expert groups and working groups deal with specific subject areas, for example: Search methods Training Technology and innovation
They draw up recommendations and standards for the organisation. Expert groups are formed on a permanent basis, whilst working groups are of a temporary nature. ⸻ §10 Financing and use of funds
Human Remains Detection Dog International does not charge membership fees.
Each member or member organisation bears the costs incurred through their involvement with Human Remains Detection Dog International themselves.
Members have no entitlement to financial contributions. ⸻ §11 Liability and Responsibility
Human Remains Detection Dog International accepts no liability for the actions of its members.
Members act on their own responsibility within the scope of their activities.
Liability on the part of persons acting within Human Remains Detection Dog International is limited to intent and gross negligence, to the extent permitted by law. ⸻ §12 Data Protection and Confidentiality
The processing of personal data is carried out in accordance with applicable data protection regulations, in particular the GDPR. Sensitive information, particularly in connection with deceased persons and operational situations, must be treated as confidential. Members undertake to act in a respectful and ethically responsible manner. ⸻ §13 Intellectual Property and Use of Results
Content developed within the organisation (e.g. recommendations, guidelines) is generally available to members for use within the scope of their membership.
Commercial use by individual members is prohibited. ⸻ §14 Amendments to the Articles of Association
Amendments to these Articles of Association shall be made by resolution of the CEO.
The Advisory Board must be consulted in advance. ⸻ §15 Dissolution
The dissolution of Human Remains Detection Dog International shall be effected by decision of the CEO.
Any remaining funds shall be used for their intended purpose or for the public good. ⸻ §16 Final provisions
Should any individual provisions of these Articles of Association be or become invalid, the validity of the remaining provisions shall remain unaffected (severability clause). German law shall apply. ⸻ §17 Entry into force
These Articles of Association shall enter into force on 26 April 2026. ⸻