Sudan’s Grassroots Aid Networks Win the 2025 Chatham House Prize

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Sudan’s grassroots mutual aid groups, known as the Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs), have been awarded the 2025 Chatham House Prize in recognition of their vital role in delivering humanitarian support throughout the ongoing war. These community-led networks have become a lifeline for millions, providing food, water, medical supplies, and repairing essential services in areas unreachable by international organizations and where state institutions have collapsed.

The ERRs have received widespread international praise, including from the Norwegian Nobel Committee, for their neutrality and commitment to supporting all civilians affected by the conflict.

Bronwen Maddox, Director and Chief Executive of Chatham House, stated that the ERRs have shown how civilians can play a decisive role in times of crisis. “In the face of a brutal conflict that threatens societal collapse, these groups have demonstrated solidarity and resilience, shifting power back to communities,” she said.

Tighisti Amare, Director of the Africa Programme at Chatham House, emphasized that the ERRs have served as the backbone of humanitarian response across Sudan. She praised their volunteer-driven networks for sustaining essential services, protecting dignity, and reinforcing social cohesion at a time when state structures and international aid have fallen short.

In their response, the ERRs expressed deep gratitude, saying the award belongs to thousands of Sudanese volunteers who risk their lives daily. “Amid unimaginable suffering, Sudanese communities continue to prove that compassion and humanity are stronger than war,” the statement said, dedicating the prize to the fallen volunteers who "made the ultimate sacrifice."

The ERRs stressed that this recognition strengthens their commitment to pursuing a civilian, peaceful future for Sudan—one rooted in dignity, hope, and solidarity.

The award ceremony will take place next year, with further details to be announced. Established in 2005, the Chatham House Prize is voted on by institute members and is awarded to individuals or organizations making the most significant contribution to improving international relations. Previous recipients include President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Malawi’s Constitutional Court Judges, Sir David Attenborough, and Médecins Sans Frontières.

It is noteworthy that the Emergency Rooms (Ghorfat Al-Tawari’) have received several prestigious awards, including being nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize during 2024–2025 by the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO).

In September of last year, they were awarded the 2025 Rafto Prize, also known as the “Alternative Nobel Prize.” They had previously won the 2025 European Union Human Rights Award and the 2025 Richard C. Holbrooke Award for International Advocacy, granted by the international organization Refugees International.

Additionally, the AidEx platform nominated Alsanosi Adam, the External Communications Coordinator of the “Sudan Emergency Rooms,” for the 2025 Humanitarian Hero Award.