Sudan’s Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs) have received the Rafto Prize for Human Rights 2025 during a ceremony on 9 November 2025 in Bergen, Norway, in recognition of their courageous work saving lives and strengthening communities in the midst of one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
Three representatives of the ERRs accepted the award or diploma on behalf of the network, which consists of thousands of volunteers who work to meet urgent humanitarian needs at great personal risk. Several other representatives joined the stage carrying the Sudanese flag.
According to Rafto Foundation, when receiving the award, Saddam from the ERRs shared a strong message on stage, “To the brave men and women trapped inside Sudan, enduring unimaginable hardship; to the displaced families scattered across borders your struggle is not in vain. We see you. We hear you. And we will never stop fighting to make your voices heard, to protect your right to live in peace and dignity.”
The ERRs were first announced as winners on 17 September 2025.
Through grassroots solidarity and volunteer action, the ERRs have become a symbol of resilience and the defense of the most basic human right – the right to life. Chair of the Rafto Prize Committee Ingrid Hoem Sjursen praised the ERRs’ extraordinary bravery before presenting this year’s Rafto Prize diploma.
“The prize is a recognition of the significance of grassroots mobilization and collective effort in ensuring basic human rights in times of conflict. The need for protection of human rights and humanitarian assistance is growing by the day. In these trying times, we must all stand in solidarity with the people of Sudan,” she said.
According to Radio Tamazuj, hundreds of people took part in the torchlight procession in support of human rights and peace in Sudan.
Each year, the Professor Thorolf Rafto Memorial Prize for Human Rights or the Rafto Prize is awarded to an individual or organisation who stands up for human rights and democracy. It has been awarded every year since 1987, with more than 30 awardees. The prize sheds light on human rights violations and gives recognition to human rights defenders who deserve the world’s attention. There are no geographical or issue constraints regarding the individuals or organisations that may receive the prize.
The ERRs has also been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 2025 for the second year in a row. This was announced on 18 September 2025. Last year, the ERRs were nominated by Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) for the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize their critical role in providing lifesaving aid amidst one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. However, they did not receive the award.
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