Argentina is a country faced by significant socio-political risks and high poverty levels. The Argentine Red Cross is a strong national humanitarian organisation, focused on disaster preparedness, community health and first aid, health education, and social support programs. As a result of advocacy efforts carried out by the Argentine Red Cross, with the support of IFRC Disaster Law, a new Argentine Red Cross Law was adopted in May 2020.
IFRC Disaster Law contributed to the review of the proposed provisions, using its knowledge about how law can strengthen and support the Red Cross auxiliary role. The new law has many strong features including (but not limited to): recognising the auxiliary role; outlining the humanitarian activities that Argentine Red Cross conducts throughout the country; recognising and protecting the emblem; recognising and facilitating volunteering; and exempting Argentine Red Cross from paying taxes on imports.
In 2021, a Collaboration Agreement was signed between Argentina Airports 2000, Argentine Red Cross and IFRC concerning the Humanitarian Assistance Logistic Center for the Southern Cone of America (Humanitarian Hub), located within the premises of La Seiza Airport, Argentina. Based on the work between the Republic of Argentina, the Argentine Red Cross, auxiliary of the public authorities in the humanitarian field, and the IFRC, to respond to emergencies in the Republic of Argentina and countries of the Southern Cone of America, the agreement was signed allowing the use, free of charge, of a 1400 m2 physical space located at La Seiza Airport, where the Humanitarian Hub operates.
Based on the IFRC Guide to Strengthening the Auxiliary Role through Law and Policy, Argentine Red Cross revised how the National Society's auxiliary role was recognized in sectoral laws, policies plans and agreements. It also reviewed legal facilities, enabling them to conduct their operations more efficiently and effectively. An advocacy strategy and roadmap was developed, including the recommendation to promote the IDRL/Humanitarian Hub Act. An IDRL/Humanitarian Hub draft law is in consolidation process.
