Auxiliary status to government
The South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) holds auxiliary status to the South African government, as defined by Act No. 10 of 2007. This legal recognition allows SARCS to support government efforts in disaster response, public health, and humanitarian aid. Working in coordination with national, provincial, and local authorities, SARCS delivers neutral, impartial assistance to those in need. Strengthening this partnership is key to improving the reach and impact of humanitarian services across South Africa.
Our emblems
The Red Cross, Red Crescent, and Red Crystal are globally recognized symbols that offer protection for medical services and humanitarian workers during armed conflict. They also serve to identify the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
A Sign of Hope
Legal Protection
The Protective and Indicative Use of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Emblems
The Red Cross, Red Crescent, and Red Crystal emblems are powerful humanitarian symbols used globally in times of war and peace. Their use is defined under international humanitarian law, primarily the Geneva Conventions, and falls into two categories: protective use and indicative use.
Ensuring Safety in Armed Conflict
The protective use of the Red Cross, Red Crescent, and Red Crystal emblems applies during armed conflicts, serving as a symbol of neutrality, protection, and legal recognition under international humanitarian law. These emblems are displayed by medical personnel, military medical units, ambulances, hospitals, and authorized humanitarian organizations to indicate they must not be attacked or obstructed.
To ensure visibility and distinction, the emblem must be red on a white background, without any additional markings. It must appear prominently on vehicles, buildings, and uniforms. Any deliberate attack against persons or objects bearing this emblem is considered a war crime under the Geneva Conventions.
Organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and recognized National Societies are legally authorized to use the protective emblem while performing life-saving duties, such as treating the wounded, assisting displaced persons, and aiding civilians in conflict zones.
Representing Humanitarian Identity
The indicative use of the emblems occurs primarily in peacetime, allowing National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to display the symbol as part of their humanitarian identity. Used on buildings, uniforms, vehicles, and public materials, the emblem signifies a society’s affiliation with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
This use is symbolic, not protective. During conflicts, National Societies may continue indicative use, but the emblem must be smaller and positioned so it cannot be confused with protective use. It must not appear on armlets, rooftops, or large vehicles in a way that suggests legal protection.
The goal is to preserve the emblem’s meaning and ensure respect for its protective role. Clear distinction prevents misuse and reinforces the integrity of humanitarian operations worldwide.