Auxiliary role

Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are neither governmental institutions nor wholly separate non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Their relationship to the authorities in their country is defined by their role as “auxiliaries” and by the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

About the auxiliary role

Volunteers with the Philippine Red Cross Society administer COVID-19 vaccines in a temporary vaccine facility in March 2021

Definition of the auxiliary role

A black and white archive image of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent

Origins of the auxiliary role

A volunteer with the Haiti Red Cross shares health messages in his community on how people can stay safe from the Chikungunya virus

The auxiliary role today

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

More information

The IFRC Disaster Law website features several useful resources on how the auxiliary role can be reflected and supported by domestic laws, policies, plans and agreements.

And if you are a volunteer or staff member of a National Red Cross or Red Crescent Society, you can find additional resources about the auxiliary role on Fednet.