The Emergency Response Rooms of Sudan are grassroot networks that emerged in the wake of the war in Sudan in 2023. They consist of thousands of volunteers who engage in collaborative, community driven efforts to meet urgent humanitarian needs of others, at great personal risk. The ERRs save lives and maintain human dignity in a place of misery and despair.

Saving lives and strengthening communities in one of the worst humanitarian crises of our times

After the brutal war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) broke out in April 2023, the Sudanese state collapsed. As a consequence, civilians have an enormous need for humanitarian assistance.

In a desperate attempt to save lives, ordinary Sudanese took matters in their own hands and formed self-help groups to offer services supporting basic life, welfare, and human dignity through Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs).

The ERRs originated in Khartoum and has spread to other conflict areas of Sudan. To mitigate excessive loss of life and human suffering, ERRs provide key services such as health, food, water, body retrieval and burial. They also work on monitoring, documenting, and responding to cases of sexual violence.

An overlooked humanitarian catastrophe

The country is now torn by death, hunger, disease, displacement and general despair. Since the outbreak of the war, more than 150 000 people have died. More than half of the country’s population –30 million people– need humanitarian assistance. 25 million face acute food insecurity. 12 million have fled from their homes. Women and children have been disproportionally affected, including by an alarming rise in gender-based violence. In this dire situation, ERR members continue to provide life-saving mutual aid, strengthening communities and keeping a hope for a democratic Sudan alive under almost impossible conditions.

The Rafto Prize 2025 honours the Emergency Response Rooms and the thousands of individuals protecting the right to life and health, who are building hope in Sudan, at tremendous risk to their own lives. The prize is also a recognition of the significance of grassroot mobilization and collective effort in ensuring basic human rights in times of conflict. The need for protection of human rights and humanitarian assistance is becoming greater by the day. In these trying times, we must all stand in solidarity with the people of Sudan.

Spokespersons:

Prize Committee Leader, Ingrid Hoem Sjursen:
Phone: +47 922 21 947 / E-mail: ingrid.hoemsjursen@rafto.no

Executive Director at the Rafto Foundation, Jostein Hole Kobbeltvedt:
Phone: +47 920 66 025 / E-mail: jostein.hole.kobbeltvedt@rafto.no

For inquiries about other relevant interview subjects:
Contact the Rafto Foundation's press officer, Ronja Bell Breisnes. Phone: +47 915 19 253 / Email: ronja.breisnes@rafto.no

Photos.