The 2025 Rafto Prize was awarded on Sunday evening to Sudan’s grassroots network Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs) during a ceremony in Bergen, Norway.
Several hundred people joined a torchlight procession through central Bergen to honor the ERRs for their courageous work to protect the most fundamental human right – the right to life – in war-torn Sudan.
Sudan is facing one of the world’s most underreported humanitarian crises, with civilians struggling daily to survive violence and starvation. ERR members continue to provide life-saving assistance, strengthening communities and keeping alive hopes for a democratic Sudan under almost impossible conditions.
Three ERR representatives accepted the award on behalf of the network, which consists of thousands of volunteers who engage in community-driven efforts to meet urgent humanitarian needs at great personal risk.
“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,” said ERR volunteer Saddam during the ceremony.
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,” Sjursen said.
Following the ceremony, student volunteers with the Rafto Foundation delivered a strong appeal to those gathered outside Ole Bull Scene, urging the world not to ignore the worsening crisis in Sudan.
“We call upon you – the people of Bergen and the international community – not to look away from Sudan. The conflict is not forgotten, but ignored,” the student leaders told the crowd gathered in solidarity with the laureates.
Hundreds of people took part in the torchlight procession in support of human rights and peace in Sudan.
The Rafto Foundation for Human Rights is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that promotes human rights by presenting the Rafto Prize, empowering defenders, engaging authorities and businesses, and offering education in democracy and human rights. Established in 1987 in memory of Professor Thorolf Rafto (1922–1986), the foundation has since awarded 36 prizes to human rights defenders worldwide.