Furthering the auxiliary role: Partnership for stronger National Societies and volunteering development

The Movement components, in particular the National Societies (NSs) with their volunteers, are widely recognized as valued partners to the States.  Indeed, Red Cross Red Crescent volunteers are on the front lines, providing help in times of need—often at personal risk.
The 31st Conference coincided with the tenth anniversary of the first "International Year of Volunteers”, an emphasis was given to conditions for volunteering during the Conference.

Participants were encouraged to continue their dialogue to better define relationship, to clarify and consolidate the areas they cooperate.  Aiming to enhance this cooperation and to sustain the spirit of volunteerism, a resolution is adopted to call on States and National Societies to reinforce the legal framework and provide adequate support and resource contribution on the good functioning and development of NSs.    With ample support from the States, National Societies would be able to create and maintain an enabling environment for volunteering including well defined legal status, rights, duties and safety. 

More information on IFRC’s work in the area on volunteering can be found on the IFRC website at this page


Migration: Ensuring access, dignity, respect for diversity and social inclusion

Progress has been made since the adoption of the Declaration “Together for Humanity” at the 30th International Conference 2007 recognising migration as one of major humanitarian challenge facing the world.  However, additional attention and actions are still required to ensure that vulnerable migrants who live outside conventional health, social and legal systems, and, for a variety of reasons should have safe access to humanitarian assistance without discrimination and irrespective of their legal status.  The 31st International Conference requested its members to cooperate and further address this humanitarian challenge at all level, to review and ensure that relevant laws, procedures and legal frameworks in conformity with the Red Cross Red Crescent Fundamental Principles are in placed to provide adequate safeguards to protect the dignity, secure access and safety of all migrants.  In addition it emphases the importance of the advocacy on respect for diversity, non-violence and social inclusion of all migrants. 

More information on IFRC’s work in the area on migration can be found on the IFRC website at this page.