Sudan’s grassroots mutual aid groups, known as the Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs), have been awarded the prestigious 2025 Chatham House Prize. This significant recognition honors their crucial and profound role in delivering vital humanitarian support amidst the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The prize, presented annually by Chatham House – a world-leading policy institute based in London – acknowledges individuals or organizations that have made the most significant contribution to the improvement of international relations. The ERRs' work has been heralded as the critical difference between life and death for millions of Sudanese citizens.

Operating in areas often inaccessible to larger international organizations, these community networks have stepped in where state structures have utterly collapsed. Their extensive efforts include providing essential necessities such as food, water, and medical supplies, as well as maintaining and repairing critical power and water systems. The impartial nature of their aid delivery, which strives to assist all parties affected by the war, has garnered widespread praise and recognition from several international bodies, including the Norwegian Nobel Committee, underscoring their commitment to universal humanitarian principles.

Bronwen Maddox, Director and Chief Executive of Chatham House, lauded the ERRs for demonstrating that civilians can provide a vital response in times of crisis that extends beyond mere aid. She highlighted their civic solidarity and resilience in the face of a horrific and brutal conflict, noting that they have taken a lead and effectively shifted some power back to communities. Tighisti Amare, Director of the Africa Programme at Chatham House, further emphasized that the volunteer-led ERRs have served as the backbone of humanitarian response for millions, sustaining essential support, protecting dignity, reaffirming social cohesion, and embodying the courage and ingenuity characteristic of the best local leadership, especially when communities have been left without functioning state services or adequate international assistance.

In their acceptance statement, the ERRs expressed deep gratitude to Chatham House and its members for the honor. They dedicated the award to the thousands of Sudanese volunteers who risk their lives daily to protect and support others, asserting that amid unimaginable suffering, compassion, solidarity, and humanity prove stronger than war. The ERRs also honored their fallen volunteers, recognizing the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their fellow citizens. This recognition, they stated, strengthens their unwavering commitment to building a civilian future for Sudan, one guided by peace, dignity, and humanity rather than militarization, where communities can thrive without fear and solidarity prevails over violence.

The Chatham House Prize, launched in 2005, celebrates those who enhance international relations. Past recipients include notable figures and organizations such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Malawi’s Constitutional Court Judges, Sir David Attenborough and the BBC Natural History Unit, the Committee to Protect Journalists, Médecins Sans Frontières, and Melinda Gates. In 2024, the prize was awarded to Prime Minister Donald Tusk for his commitment to restoring democracy in Poland. The 2025 award ceremony details for the ERRs will be announced closer to the date of the event.

Chatham House, the institute behind the prize, is dedicated to addressing geopolitical challenges and international problems. Its mission is to help governments and societies build a secure, sustainable, prosperous, and just world through independent analysis, expert advice, and by convening influential people and organizations that can drive positive change.