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](/sites/default/files/styles/icon_block_thumbnail/public/2021-06/D__cumulus_media_100873%201280x853.jpg?itok=FebbO5Wt)
Definition of the auxiliary role
![A black and white archive image of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent](/sites/default/files/styles/icon_block_thumbnail/public/2021-06/Azerbaijan-RC%201280x853.jpg?itok=rTpNO336)
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](/sites/default/files/styles/icon_block_thumbnail/public/2021-06/D__cumulus_media_24629%201280x853.jpg?itok=0GMQD39P)
The auxiliary role today
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Guides on the auxiliary role
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Guide to Strengthening the Auxiliary Role through Law and Policy
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Africa: Guide to the Auxiliary Role of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies
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Americas: Guide to the Auxiliary Role of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies - Americas
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Asia-Pacific: Guide to the Auxiliary Role of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies
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Europe: Guide to the Auxiliary Role of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies
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MENA: Guide to the Auxiliary Role of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies
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A Guide for Parliamentarians to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
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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.