Pretoria, 29 September 2025 – The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in South Africa and the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation hosted a screening of The Quiet Heroes of Sudan, a short documentary spotlighting the life-saving work of Sudan’s Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs).

The event, moderated by Professor Cheryl Hendricks, Executive Director of the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, brought together diplomats, civil society, academics, and activists to reflect on the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Sudan and the critical role of ERRs.

“The IJR and the Embassy of the Netherlands are co-hosting this screening as a way to bring attention not only to continuing war and the destruction and displacement it has engendered, but also to the ways in which ordinary citizens have mobilised themselves – through the Emergency Response Rooms – to afford some form of relief in the absence of those tasked to respond to humanitarian disasters such as that taking place in Sudan,” remarked Professor Hendricks.

The programme opened with a welcome address by H.E. Ambassador Joanne Doornewaard of the Netherlands, who noted that, “This is surely one of the worst humanitarian crises in living memory. Yet, this tragedy often competes with other ongoing conflicts for our attention. As the Netherlands we are deeply concern and have called for an immediate end to the war.”

The Ambassador’s remarks were followed by the screening of the documentary produced in partnership with Ayin Network. The film amplifies the voices of Sudanese ERR volunteers, particularly women and youth, who have mobilised courageously to deliver aid where international humanitarian actors have struggled to gain access.

A panel discussion featuring experts and ERR representatives unpacked the significance of the film and the urgent needs of Sudanese civilians. Panelists included: Wafa Dafalla, human rights lawyer and ERR representative who played a key role during the December Revolution; Mohamed Anwar, External Relations Officer at Khartoum ERR; Tom Rhodes, representing Ayin Network and offering insights into the role of storytelling in amplifying Sudanese voices; Bonolo Makgale, democracy practitioner and civic engagement specialist; Thembekile Mahuwa, award-winning human rights lawyer and youth advocate, and; Prof. Gilbert Khadiagala, leading scholar on mediation, conflict resolution, and regionalism in Africa.

The documentary and discussion form part of a broader strategy by civil society organisations to elevate global awareness of Sudan’s humanitarian emergency and highlight the extraordinary courage of ERR volunteers. With two-thirds of Sudan’s population, over 30 million people, requiring humanitarian assistance, and international aid efforts severely underfunded and restricted, ERRs have become a vital lifeline.

“This documentary only provides a glimpse into the daily struggles of the people of Sudan,” said Mohammed Anwar, an ERR representative. “ERR volunteers face arrest and even death, but our mission is simple: to save lives.”

ERRs are often the only actors able to reach communities in need. They are made up of ordinary Sudanese, women, youth, professionals, risking their lives and families to deliver food, medicine, and protection.

Key messages from the event included that Sudan’s humanitarian crisis is worsening, with two-thirds of the population in need of assistance; malnutrition, famine, and sexual and gender-based violence continue to devastate women and children. ERRs fill the gaps left by international agencies, delivering aid where access is denied to larger organisations despite severe risks. Funding remains dangerously low; according to OCHA, Sudan’s humanitarian needs are only 13% funded, leaving a $3.6 billion gap, and USAID funding cuts have further constrained lifesaving efforts. Greater donor, political, and public backing is critical to strengthen ERR operations, safeguard volunteers, and compel African and international policymakers, especially the AU, to prioritise Sudan.

Organisers noted that strategically timed screenings of The Quiet Heroes of Sudan will continue internationally in order to influence donor policy, mobilise diaspora communities, and challenge narratives of hopelessness by spotlighting stories of resilience and unity.

This event took place shortly after the ERRs were awarded the 2025 Rafto Prize, a Norwegian human rights award recognising their courageous work to preserve the most fundamental human right – the right to life. In further acknowledgment of their vital role, Henrik Urdal, Director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), has named the ERRs in Sudan among his suggested candidates for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.

Download the press release here

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Media contact:

Mwanja Ng’anjo | Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, Head of Communications | Mnganjo@ijr.org.za