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Volunteers Open Doors in Sudan Typically Closed to International Aid Groups | Wilson Quarterly
<!DOCTYPE html><html><head><meta charSet="utf-8"/><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1"/><title>Volunteers Open Doors in Sudan Typically Closed to International Aid Groups | Wilson Quarterly</title><meta property="og:title" content="Volunteers Open Doors in Sudan Typically Closed to International Aid Groups"/><meta property="og:description" content="Globally, challenges to humanitarian access impede critical supplies and support to communities in need. Even more so, humanitarian aid delivery during an active conflict makes it harder to reach populations, threatens humanitarian workers’ safety, and pressures traditional humanitarian values such as impartiality. Recent and ongoing conflicts in Sudan and Ethiopia highlight the challenges that ongoing violence violent conflict creates for access and humanitarian aid delivery. However, the challenges have also led to creativity as individuals and organizations find ways to ensure adequate food, healthcare, and other critical supplies reach communities. We talk with someone working with Sudan Emergency Response Rooms to learn more."/><meta property="og:image" content="https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2FCover_AP24240408622602_resized.jpg"/><meta property="og:type" content="article"/><meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/><meta name="twitter:site" content="@wilsonquarterly"/><meta name="twitter:title" content="Volunteers Open Doors in Sudan Typically Closed to International Aid Groups"/><meta name="twitter:description" content="Amid Sudan’s civil war, Emergency Response Rooms are mobilizing volunteers to get food, medicine, and other vital supplies to people in need."/><meta name="twitter:image" content="https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2FCover_AP24240408622602_resized.jpg"/><meta name="description" content="Globally, challenges to humanitarian access impede critical supplies and support to communities in need. Even more so, humanitarian aid delivery during an active conflict makes it harder to reach populations, threatens humanitarian workers’ safety, and pressures traditional humanitarian values such as impartiality. Recent and ongoing conflicts in Sudan and Ethiopia highlight the challenges that ongoing violence violent conflict creates for access and humanitarian aid delivery. However, the challenges have also led to creativity as individuals and organizations find ways to ensure adequate food, healthcare, and other critical supplies reach communities. We talk with someone working with Sudan Emergency Response Rooms to learn more."/><link rel="preload" as="image" imagesrcset="/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fproof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwilsonquarterly%252FCover_AP24240408622602_resized.jpg&w=640&q=75 640w, /_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fproof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwilsonquarterly%252FCover_AP24240408622602_resized.jpg&w=750&q=75 750w, /_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fproof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwilsonquarterly%252FCover_AP24240408622602_resized.jpg&w=828&q=75 828w, /_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fproof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwilsonquarterly%252FCover_AP24240408622602_resized.jpg&w=1080&q=75 1080w, /_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fproof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwilsonquarterly%252FCover_AP24240408622602_resized.jpg&w=1200&q=75 1200w, /_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fproof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwilsonquarterly%252FCover_AP24240408622602_resized.jpg&w=1920&q=75 1920w, 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from-default-from-gradient to-default-to-gradient h-full w-full"><p class="text-sm uppercase font-poppins tracking-wide">Fall<!-- --> <!-- -->2024</p><h1 class="text-5xl font-julius max-w-3xl">Volunteers Open Doors in Sudan Typically Closed to International Aid Groups</h1><p class="text-sm uppercase font-poppins tracking-wide">– Aaron Stanley and Alsanosi Adam</p></div></div><div class="flex flex-col items-center w-full space-y-6 bg-gray-200 pb-36 content-wrapper "><div class=" w-full max-w-3xl text-center font-bitter text-lg italic font-semibold tracking-wider leading-relaxed text-summary-color pt-8 "><p>Amid Sudan’s civil war, Emergency Response Rooms are mobilizing volunteers to get food, medicine, and other vital supplies to people in need.</p></div><div class=""><div class=" flex justify-center items-center flex-row space-x-8 "><button><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="fill-current h-5 text-gray-700" viewBox="0 0 30 33"><path d="M6.764 10.851H.93c-.26 0-.47.229-.47.511v20.432c0 .282.21.51.47.51h5.834c.26 0 .47-.228.47-.51V11.362c0-.282-.21-.51-.47-.51zM3.85.694C1.727.694 0 2.574 0 4.886 0 7.2 1.727 9.08 3.85 9.08c2.121 0 3.847-1.881 3.847-4.194C7.697 2.575 5.971.694 3.85.694zm17.757 9.65c-2.344 0-4.076 1.098-5.127 2.346v-1.327c0-.283-.21-.511-.468-.511h-5.588c-.26 0-.469.228-.469.51v20.432c0 .283.21.511.469.511h5.822c.259 0 .469-.228.469-.51v-10.11c0-3.406.848-4.733 3.027-4.733 2.372 0 2.56 2.127 2.56 4.908v9.934c0 .283.21.511.47.511h5.824c.259 0 .468-.228.468-.51V20.586c0-5.065-.886-10.243-7.457-10.243z"></path></svg></button><button><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="fill-current h-5 text-gray-700" viewBox="0 0 1200 1227"><path d="M714.163 519.284L1160.89 0h-105.86L667.137 450.887 357.328 0H0l468.492 681.821L0 1226.37h105.866l409.625-476.152 327.181 476.152H1200L714.137 519.284h.026zM569.165 687.828l-47.468-67.894-377.686-540.24h162.604l304.797 435.991 47.468 67.894 396.2 566.721H892.476L569.165 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.47-.228.47-.51V11.362c0-.282-.21-.51-.47-.51zM3.85.694C1.727.694 0 2.574 0 4.886 0 7.2 1.727 9.08 3.85 9.08c2.121 0 3.847-1.881 3.847-4.194C7.697 2.575 5.971.694 3.85.694zm17.757 9.65c-2.344 0-4.076 1.098-5.127 2.346v-1.327c0-.283-.21-.511-.468-.511h-5.588c-.26 0-.469.228-.469.51v20.432c0 .283.21.511.469.511h5.822c.259 0 .469-.228.469-.51v-10.11c0-3.406.848-4.733 3.027-4.733 2.372 0 2.56 2.127 2.56 4.908v9.934c0 .283.21.511.47.511h5.824c.259 0 .468-.228.468-.51V20.586c0-5.065-.886-10.243-7.457-10.243z"></path></svg></button><button><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="fill-current h-5 text-gray-700" viewBox="0 0 1200 1227"><path d="M714.163 519.284L1160.89 0h-105.86L667.137 450.887 357.328 0H0l468.492 681.821L0 1226.37h105.866l409.625-476.152 327.181 476.152H1200L714.137 519.284h.026zM569.165 687.828l-47.468-67.894-377.686-540.24h162.604l304.797 435.991 47.468 67.894 396.2 566.721H892.476L569.165 687.854v-.026z"></path></svg></button><button><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="fill-current h-5 text-gray-700" viewBox="0 0 17 35"><path d="M.58 18.637h3.508v15.74c0 .312.231.563.516.563h5.948c.285 0 .516-.251.516-.562V18.71h4.033c.262 0 .482-.214.512-.498l.613-5.795a.596.596 0 00-.128-.439.498.498 0 00-.385-.188h-4.645V8.158c0-1.095.541-1.65 1.608-1.65h3.037c.285 0 .516-.252.516-.562V.626c0-.31-.23-.562-.516-.562h-4.185a3.765 3.765 0 00-.192-.004c-.726 0-3.25.155-5.244 2.154-2.21 2.216-1.902 4.87-1.829 5.33v4.247H.581c-.286 0-.517.252-.517.563v5.72c0 .311.231.563.517.563z"></path></svg></button><button><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="fill-current h-8 text-gray-700" viewBox="0 0 64 64"><path d="M55.14 16a2.52 2.52 0 01.48 0L34.14 34.45a4.16 4.16 0 01-4.28 0L8.38 16a2.52 2.52 0 01.48 0zM58 45.18A2.83 2.83 0 0155.14 48H8.86A2.83 2.83 0 016 45.18V18.82a2.83 2.83 0 01.42-1.47l22 18.85.13.1a6.39 6.39 0 006.8 0l.13-.1 22-18.85a2.83 2.83 0 01.52 1.47z"></path></svg></button><button><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="fill-current h-6 text-gray-700" viewBox="0 0 32 32"><path d="M7 11V4.997C7 3.895 7.894 3 8.997 3h15.005c1.107 0 1.997.894 1.997 1.997V11h-19zM6 27H4.994A2.996 2.996 0 012 24.001V15a2.998 2.998 0 012.994-2.999h23.011A2.996 2.996 0 0130.999 15v9.001A2.998 2.998 0 0128.005 27h-1.006v-8h-21v8zm1-7h19v8c0 1.112-.894 2-1.997 2H8.998a1.996 1.996 0 01-1.997-2v-8zm18-3a1 1 0 100-2 1 1 0 000 2zM9 23v1h15v-1H9zm0 3v1h15v-1H9z"></path></svg></button></div></div><p data-label="Paragraph" class=" relative text-left "><em class="">On April 15, 2023, fighting erupted in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and a paramilitary unit called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Since the start of this civil war, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) estimates that more than 10.7 million people have been displaced. The World Food Program (WFP) estimates that over 25.6 million people are facing acute hunger.</em></p><p data-label="Paragraph" class=" relative text-left "><em class="">Sudan is one of the largest countries in Africa. Due to its vast territory and the insecurity caused by the ongoing conflict, humanitarian responses have struggled to meet the population's basic needs. Access to humanitarian supplies is severely limited—with few entry points, ongoing violence, logistics constraints, and travel delays once inside the country. Additionally, humanitarian responders and facilities in Sudan are targeted from both sides of the conflict, greatly limiting the role of international aid within Sudan.</em></p><p data-label="Paragraph" class=" relative text-left "><em class="">In the face of these challenges, a grassroots organization called the Emergency Response Rooms, or ERRs, emerged just weeks into the conflict. Aaron Stanley of the Wilson Center’s Africa Program spoke with Alsanosi Adam, an external communications coordinator for the Emergency Response Rooms of Sudan, to understand how a volunteer-based group is providing life-saving resources and support when many international organizations are unable to.</em></p><p data-label="Paragraph" class=" relative text-left "><strong class="">Aaron Stanley: The ERRs of Sudan are finding ways to provide support to local communities within some of the most difficult to reach areas of Sudan. What makes this possible?</strong></p><p data-label="Paragraph" class=" relative text-left "><strong class="">Alsanosi Adam:</strong> The ERRs started in the first weeks after the beginning of the war. It started small, in just one area, and focused on mutual support and local solidarity. It has and continues to be volunteer-based, now with almost 10,000 volunteers. Through partnerships with local formal organizations and international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), we have been able to expand support to literally every part of the country. Because we are a coordinated network of community members, we do not have an access issue. We don’t have to go “there” because we are already “here.” We live and work in the areas that others have such difficulty reaching.</p><p data-label="Paragraph" class=" relative text-left ">Our definition of access is totally different from that of an international organization or the United Nations. The UN often defines access based on where authorities tell them they can go. If they are told they can't use an access point, they stop and wait until they have permission. We don't have to look at access like that; we don't need permission in that way because people are already there. The warring parties don't grant us access like they do with international organizations.</p><figure data-id="figure-7" data-node="{"type":"figure","attrs":{"position":"center","size":"large"},"content":[{"type":"image","attrs":{"src":"https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2FSudan1_face%20blur.jpg","alt":null,"title":null,"href":null,"credit":null}},{"type":"figcaption","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"em"}],"text":"The Emergency Response Rooms enjoy direct access to communities. Photo by Sudan ERR, used with permission."}]}]}" data-size="large" data-position="center" class=" flex flex-col items-center relative mb-8 py-8 w-full sm:w-128 xl:w-10/12 xl:max-w-screen-lg+ "><img class=" w-full overflow-y-visible object-cover " data-node="{"type":"image","attrs":{"src":"https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2FSudan1_face%20blur.jpg","alt":null,"title":null,"href":null,"credit":null}}" src="https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2FSudan1_face%20blur.jpg"/><figcaption data-type="caption" class="text-left w-full "><em class="">The Emergency Response Rooms enjoy direct access to communities. Photo by Sudan ERR, used with permission.</em></figcaption></figure><p data-label="Paragraph" class=" relative text-left "><strong class="">Aaron Stanley: Coordinating and providing support to that large of a network seems like it could create many challenges. How are ERRs structured to support the volunteers and provide aid to those who need it most?</strong></p><p data-label="Paragraph" class=" relative text-left "><strong class="">Alsanosi Adam:</strong> The response is from the community; the units organize themselves. Generally, each ERR assigns essential coordination roles such as program leaders, finance officials, and reporting officials. The volunteers lead the work at the local level. Then we provide connection and coordination between all the groups at the state level. This is particularly important in places like South Kordofan, North Darfur, and Khartoum, where there is heavy fighting or military presence. Our volunteers have access that others don’t. Providing coordination across the country is the Localization Coordination Council, or LCC, which is made up of about 16 national organization members, representatives from each state’s coordination committee, and INGO observers. The LCC also has technical committees such as communications, finances and reporting, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning. </p><p data-label="Paragraph" class=" relative text-left ">Our engagement works through cash transfers. The LCC secures support from a donor, then uses consultative mechanisms to decide how to share funds through cash transfers to the local, volunteer-led ERRs. The cash transfers then support food purchases, the operating of communal kitchens, and necessary medical supplies. Some ERRs also try to address malnutrition and early childhood education when possible. They are taking on development projects that are looking ahead to the end of the conflict.</p><p data-label="Paragraph" class=" relative text-left "><strong class="">Aaron Stanley: The ongoing fighting is causing a lot of challenges for humanitarian assistance. For example, the lack of access points and safe transportation corridors make it difficult to deliver food aid. What are some of the challenges that the ERRs struggle with the most?</strong></p><p data-label="Paragraph" class=" relative text-left "><strong class="">Alsanosi Adam:</strong> Yes, the lack of food coming into the country is a real challenge; the lack of supply is making prices skyrocket. Every couple of months, the prices increase dramatically—and we don’t really have a solution for that. In the areas most under siege or with active front lines—like Khartoum, South Kordofan, and Darfur—we are seeing really high prices of staple foods like rice and lentils. That makes the amount of money we send to local ERRs less valuable.</p><p data-label="Paragraph" class=" relative text-left ">If $5,000 previously sustained a local ERR for a month, it now only lasts 10 days—and there are real challenges on the ground because of the lack of food. Malnutrition is increasing, as are other health problems. ERR volunteers are having to make tough choices between purchasing more nutritious food that lasts three days, or less nutrient-rich food that allows them to eat for two weeks. They always pick eating for two weeks. Funding is the other challenge—and it has always been the challenge. We have access, we have the networks, we have people on the ground, but if we don’t have adequate funds to send them to buy supplies…</p><figure data-id="figure-14" data-node="{"type":"figure","attrs":{"position":"center","size":"large"},"content":[{"type":"image","attrs":{"src":"https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2FSudan%204.jpg","alt":null,"title":null,"href":null,"credit":null}},{"type":"figcaption","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"em"}],"text":"Meals prepared with food provided from the Emergency Response Rooms. Photo by Sudan ERR, used with permission."}]}]}" data-size="large" data-position="center" class=" flex flex-col items-center relative mb-8 py-8 w-full sm:w-128 xl:w-10/12 xl:max-w-screen-lg+ "><img class=" w-full overflow-y-visible object-cover " data-node="{"type":"image","attrs":{"src":"https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2FSudan%204.jpg","alt":null,"title":null,"href":null,"credit":null}}" src="https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2FSudan%204.jpg"/><figcaption data-type="caption" class="text-left w-full "><em class="">Meals prepared with food provided from the Emergency Response Rooms. Photo by Sudan ERR, used with permission.</em></figcaption></figure><p data-label="Paragraph" class=" relative text-left ">Of course there are security risks. It is a conflict zone—but ERRs understand these risks and take them into consideration—and have ways of mitigating them. But the biggest challenge we face is the lack of funding. We are thankful for funding from development agencies like USAID, and that is important. However, we still think at least 5% of all aid to Sudan should be going through mutual aid groups like the ERRs. It is well below that right now.</p><p data-label="Paragraph" class=" relative text-left ">ERRs are effective because we are a grassroots community network. We are agile and responsive to local needs. The questions around funding can push an organization to register and look more like a traditional non-governmental organization (NGO). But there is a need for us to stay agile and “grassrooted.” All other things can be mitigated if we have the funding that helps people in need.</p><p data-label="Paragraph" class=" relative text-left "><strong class="">Aaron Stanley: In addition to access, a challenge for many international organizations working in active conflict is the concept of neutrality, ERRs are working in SAF and RSF controlled and contested areas. What do you think about neutrality?</strong></p><p data-label="Paragraph" class=" relative text-left "><strong class="">Alsanosi Adam:</strong> We are not engaging with SAF or RSF at all. The communities are organizing the responses, so we don’t need to negotiate access like an international humanitarian worker. The community is organizing the food kitchens. The community is handing out medical supplies. We don’t need to neutrally negotiate access—we are already there.</p><p data-label="Paragraph" class=" relative text-left ">Early on, RSF and SAF arrested some volunteers. They questioned them and asked them how they got the money and where they were getting supplies from—things like that. But then people were released and were able to continue providing mutual support for basic day-to-day community needs.</p><p data-label="Paragraph" class=" relative text-left "><strong class="">Aaron Stanley: Many of the recent international discussions have been focused on expanding humanitarian access and increasing the delivery of supplies. What do these negotiations mean for the ERRs and how do they impact your work?</strong></p><p data-label="Paragraph" class=" relative text-left "><strong class="">Alsanosi Adam:</strong> We believe that all access points are important. They all need to be open and remain open to ensure supplies. We also believe the international community can do more to negotiate for an increase in access points and humanitarian corridors so that food can get to the people in hard-to-reach areas who deeply need it. The Geneva Agreement on access points is a good step in the right direction, but more needs to be done. The solution to the challenges we just discussed is more funding and more moving actual food to the communities. As more food gets in, we expect the prices to go down. Basic supply and demand. But we also need increased recognition of the work of the Emergency Response Rooms. We are part of the delivery chain but lack widespread recognition. There is a need to recognize the utility of mutual aid and community-supported initiatives beyond the times when it is difficult for INGOs to gain access. Right now, most of the INGOs we work with are doing so because they don’t have access to communities; it can’t be like that. ERRs are doing so many things and are built by the communities. They are running development projects, coming up with creative food production methods (like small in-home farms), and running community watch units. The Sudanese people have shown their resilience and looking ahead, there is a need to recognize this framework as an effective crisis response mechanism—and one that can better rebuild support post-war when that happens.</p><p data-label="Paragraph" class=" relative text-left "><em class="">Aaron Stanley is a senior program associate for the Wilson Center’s Africa Program and Alsanosi Adam is an external communications coordinator for the Emergency Response Rooms of Sudan.</em></p><p data-label="Paragraph" class=" relative text-left "><em class="">Cover photo: Young people walk along a street marked by destruction. A bloody power struggle has been raging in Sudan for more than 16 months, triggering a refugee crisis. Mudathir Hameed/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images.</em></p></div></div><div data-label="Next Up" class="w-full flex flex-col items-center space-y-8 lg:space-y-0 lg:flex-row lg:items-start lg:justify-center bg-gray-200"><p class="w-full lg:w-1/3 font-bitter font-bold text-center text-base lg:text-xl"><span class="bg-white px-8 py-4 text-accent-red font-poppins">Up next in this issue</span></p><div class="w-full mb-12 lg:w-2/3 lg:-mt-12 lg:mr-8"><div class="w-full h-auto" data-layout="wide"><a href="/quarterly/confronting-unprecedented-humanitarian-needs/here-to-serve" rel="noreferrer" class=" w-full flex flex-col-reverse md:flex-row md:h-auto " target="_self"><div class="flex flex-col space-y-2 w-full p-4 md:h-auto md:w-5/12 md:px-6 justify-center text-gray-800 bg-white "><p class=" font-julius text-xl md:text-2xl md:pb-4 ">Here to Serve</p><p class="font-bitter md:pb-4 ">– Stephanie Bowen and Robert Hokanson</p><p class="font-bitter italic md:pb-4 ">With deep-held values to help those in 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Since the start of this civil war, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) estimates that more than 10.7 million people have been displaced. The World Food Program (WFP) estimates that over 25.6 million people are facing acute hunger."}]},{"type":"paragraph","attrs":{"align":"left"},"content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"em"}],"text":"Sudan is one of the largest countries in Africa. Due to its vast territory and the insecurity caused by the ongoing conflict, humanitarian responses have struggled to meet the population's basic needs. Access to humanitarian supplies is severely limited—with few entry points, ongoing violence, logistics constraints, and travel delays once inside the country. Additionally, humanitarian responders and facilities in Sudan are targeted from both sides of the conflict, greatly limiting the role of international aid within Sudan."}]},{"type":"paragraph","attrs":{"align":"left"},"content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"em"}],"text":"In the face of these challenges, a grassroots organization called the Emergency Response Rooms, or ERRs, emerged just weeks into the conflict. Aaron Stanley of the Wilson Center’s Africa Program spoke with Alsanosi Adam, an external communications coordinator for the Emergency Response Rooms of Sudan, to understand how a volunteer-based group is providing life-saving resources and support when many international organizations are unable to."}]},{"type":"paragraph","attrs":{"align":"left"},"content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"strong"}],"text":"Aaron Stanley: The ERRs of Sudan are finding ways to provide support to local communities within some of the most difficult to reach areas of Sudan. What makes this possible?"}]},{"type":"paragraph","attrs":{"align":"left"},"content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"strong"}],"text":"Alsanosi Adam:"},{"type":"text","text":" The ERRs started in the first weeks after the beginning of the war. It started small, in just one area, and focused on mutual support and local solidarity. It has and continues to be volunteer-based, now with almost 10,000 volunteers. Through partnerships with local formal organizations and international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), we have been able to expand support to literally every part of the country. Because we are a coordinated network of community members, we do not have an access issue. We don’t have to go “there” because we are already “here.” We live and work in the areas that others have such difficulty reaching."}]},{"type":"paragraph","attrs":{"align":"left"},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"Our definition of access is totally different from that of an international organization or the United Nations. The UN often defines access based on where authorities tell them they can go. If they are told they can't use an access point, they stop and wait until they have permission. We don't have to look at access like that; we don't need permission in that way because people are already there. The warring parties don't grant us access like they do with international organizations."}]},{"type":"figure","attrs":{"position":"center","size":"large"},"content":[{"type":"image","attrs":{"src":"https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2FSudan1_face%20blur.jpg","alt":null,"title":null,"href":null,"credit":null}},{"type":"figcaption","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"em"}],"text":"The Emergency Response Rooms enjoy direct access to communities. Photo by Sudan ERR, used with permission."}]}]},{"type":"paragraph","attrs":{"align":"left"},"content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"strong"}],"text":"Aaron Stanley: Coordinating and providing support to that large of a network seems like it could create many challenges. How are ERRs structured to support the volunteers and provide aid to those who need it most?"}]},{"type":"paragraph","attrs":{"align":"left"},"content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"strong"}],"text":"Alsanosi Adam:"},{"type":"text","text":" The response is from the community; the units organize themselves. Generally, each ERR assigns essential coordination roles such as program leaders, finance officials, and reporting officials. The volunteers lead the work at the local level. Then we provide connection and coordination between all the groups at the state level. This is particularly important in places like South Kordofan, North Darfur, and Khartoum, where there is heavy fighting or military presence. Our volunteers have access that others don’t. Providing coordination across the country is the Localization Coordination Council, or LCC, which is made up of about 16 national organization members, representatives from each state’s coordination committee, and INGO observers. The LCC also has technical committees such as communications, finances and reporting, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning. "}]},{"type":"paragraph","attrs":{"align":"left"},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"Our engagement works through cash transfers. The LCC secures support from a donor, then uses consultative mechanisms to decide how to share funds through cash transfers to the local, volunteer-led ERRs. The cash transfers then support food purchases, the operating of communal kitchens, and necessary medical supplies. Some ERRs also try to address malnutrition and early childhood education when possible. They are taking on development projects that are looking ahead to the end of the conflict."}]},{"type":"paragraph","attrs":{"align":"left"},"content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"strong"}],"text":"Aaron Stanley: The ongoing fighting is causing a lot of challenges for humanitarian assistance. For example, the lack of access points and safe transportation corridors make it difficult to deliver food aid. What are some of the challenges that the ERRs struggle with the most?"}]},{"type":"paragraph","attrs":{"align":"left"},"content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"strong"}],"text":"Alsanosi Adam:"},{"type":"text","text":" Yes, the lack of food coming into the country is a real challenge; the lack of supply is making prices skyrocket. Every couple of months, the prices increase dramatically—and we don’t really have a solution for that. In the areas most under siege or with active front lines—like Khartoum, South Kordofan, and Darfur—we are seeing really high prices of staple foods like rice and lentils. That makes the amount of money we send to local ERRs less valuable."}]},{"type":"paragraph","attrs":{"align":"left"},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"If $5,000 previously sustained a local ERR for a month, it now only lasts 10 days—and there are real challenges on the ground because of the lack of food. Malnutrition is increasing, as are other health problems. ERR volunteers are having to make tough choices between purchasing more nutritious food that lasts three days, or less nutrient-rich food that allows them to eat for two weeks. They always pick eating for two weeks. Funding is the other challenge—and it has always been the challenge. We have access, we have the networks, we have people on the ground, but if we don’t have adequate funds to send them to buy supplies…"}]},{"type":"figure","attrs":{"position":"center","size":"large"},"content":[{"type":"image","attrs":{"src":"https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2FSudan%204.jpg","alt":null,"title":null,"href":null,"credit":null}},{"type":"figcaption","content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"em"}],"text":"Meals prepared with food provided from the Emergency Response Rooms. Photo by Sudan ERR, used with permission."}]}]},{"type":"paragraph","attrs":{"align":"left"},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"Of course there are security risks. It is a conflict zone—but ERRs understand these risks and take them into consideration—and have ways of mitigating them. But the biggest challenge we face is the lack of funding. We are thankful for funding from development agencies like USAID, and that is important. However, we still think at least 5% of all aid to Sudan should be going through mutual aid groups like the ERRs. It is well below that right now."}]},{"type":"paragraph","attrs":{"align":"left"},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"ERRs are effective because we are a grassroots community network. We are agile and responsive to local needs. The questions around funding can push an organization to register and look more like a traditional non-governmental organization (NGO). But there is a need for us to stay agile and “grassrooted.” All other things can be mitigated if we have the funding that helps people in need."}]},{"type":"paragraph","attrs":{"align":"left"},"content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"strong"}],"text":"Aaron Stanley: In addition to access, a challenge for many international organizations working in active conflict is the concept of neutrality, ERRs are working in SAF and RSF controlled and contested areas. What do you think about neutrality?"}]},{"type":"paragraph","attrs":{"align":"left"},"content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"strong"}],"text":"Alsanosi Adam:"},{"type":"text","text":" We are not engaging with SAF or RSF at all. The communities are organizing the responses, so we don’t need to negotiate access like an international humanitarian worker. The community is organizing the food kitchens. The community is handing out medical supplies. We don’t need to neutrally negotiate access—we are already there."}]},{"type":"paragraph","attrs":{"align":"left"},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"Early on, RSF and SAF arrested some volunteers. They questioned them and asked them how they got the money and where they were getting supplies from—things like that. But then people were released and were able to continue providing mutual support for basic day-to-day community needs."}]},{"type":"paragraph","attrs":{"align":"left"},"content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"strong"}],"text":"Aaron Stanley: Many of the recent international discussions have been focused on expanding humanitarian access and increasing the delivery of supplies. What do these negotiations mean for the ERRs and how do they impact your work?"}]},{"type":"paragraph","attrs":{"align":"left"},"content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"strong"}],"text":"Alsanosi Adam:"},{"type":"text","text":" We believe that all access points are important. They all need to be open and remain open to ensure supplies. We also believe the international community can do more to negotiate for an increase in access points and humanitarian corridors so that food can get to the people in hard-to-reach areas who deeply need it. The Geneva Agreement on access points is a good step in the right direction, but more needs to be done. The solution to the challenges we just discussed is more funding and more moving actual food to the communities. As more food gets in, we expect the prices to go down. Basic supply and demand. But we also need increased recognition of the work of the Emergency Response Rooms. We are part of the delivery chain but lack widespread recognition. There is a need to recognize the utility of mutual aid and community-supported initiatives beyond the times when it is difficult for INGOs to gain access. Right now, most of the INGOs we work with are doing so because they don’t have access to communities; it can’t be like that. ERRs are doing so many things and are built by the communities. They are running development projects, coming up with creative food production methods (like small in-home farms), and running community watch units. The Sudanese people have shown their resilience and looking ahead, there is a need to recognize this framework as an effective crisis response mechanism—and one that can better rebuild support post-war when that happens."}]},{"type":"paragraph","attrs":{"align":"left"}},{"type":"paragraph","attrs":{"align":"left"},"content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"em"}],"text":"Aaron Stanley is a senior program associate for the Wilson Center’s Africa Program and Alsanosi Adam is an external communications coordinator for the Emergency Response Rooms of Sudan."}]},{"type":"paragraph","attrs":{"align":"left"},"content":[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"em"}],"text":"Cover photo: Young people walk along a street marked by destruction. A bloody power struggle has been raging in Sudan for more than 16 months, triggering a refugee crisis. Mudathir Hameed/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images."}]}]},"textSnippets":{"teaser":"Amid Sudan’s civil war, Emergency Response Rooms are mobilizing volunteers to get food, medicine, and other vital supplies to people in need.","summary":"Globally, challenges to humanitarian access impede critical supplies and support to communities in need. Even more so, humanitarian aid delivery during an active conflict makes it harder to reach populations, threatens humanitarian workers’ safety, and pressures traditional humanitarian values such as impartiality. Recent and ongoing conflicts in Sudan and Ethiopia highlight the challenges that ongoing violence violent conflict creates for access and humanitarian aid delivery. However, the challenges have also led to creativity as individuals and organizations find ways to ensure adequate food, healthcare, and other critical supplies reach communities. 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"},"attribution":{"authors":[{"_id":"670fe9d6e09b113950f21a6e","name":"Robert Jenkins","slug":"robert-jenkins","type":"contributor","data":{},"_proof":"Tag"},{"_id":"670fe9f3e09b113950f21a6f","name":"Jamie McGoldrick","slug":"jamie-mcgoldrick","type":"contributor","data":{},"_proof":"Tag"},{"_id":"670fea00e09b113950f21a70","name":"Nimo Hassan","slug":"nimo-hassan","type":"contributor","data":{},"_proof":"Tag"}]},"openGraph":{"summary":"Perspectives on changes, challenges, and opportunities in the new world disorder.","title":"Humanitarian Assistance Past and Present","image":{"mimetype":"image/jpeg","s3":{"key":"wilsonquarterly/Cover_shutterstock_2098719586_resized.jpg","bucket":"proof-assets"},"url":"https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2FCover_shutterstock_2098719586_resized.jpg","size":1309541}},"twitterCard":{"summary":"Perspectives on changes, challenges, and opportunities in the new world disorder.","title":"Humanitarian Assistance Past and Present","image":{"mimetype":"image/jpeg","s3":{"key":"wilsonquarterly/Cover_shutterstock_2098719586_resized.jpg","bucket":"proof-assets"},"url":"https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2FCover_shutterstock_2098719586_resized.jpg","size":1309541}},"coverArt":{"image":{"mimetype":"image/jpeg","s3":{"key":"wilsonquarterly/Cover_shutterstock_2098719586_resized.jpg","bucket":"proof-assets"},"url":"https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2FCover_shutterstock_2098719586_resized.jpg","size":1309541},"squareImage":{"mimetype":"image/jpeg","s3":{"key":"wilsonquarterly/Cover_shutterstock_2098719586_resized.jpg","bucket":"proof-assets"},"url":"https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2FCover_shutterstock_2098719586_resized.jpg","size":1309541}}},"_proof":"Entry"},{"_id":"67116c4ee09b113950f21a81","type":"article","title":"Moving Beyond Migration as an Outcome of Humanitarian Crises","slug":"moving-beyond-migration-as-an-outcome-of-humanitarian-crises","releaseDate":"2024-10-22T14:47:36.096Z","content":{"attribution":{"authors":[{"_id":"6716b88a556e045fd4921c6f","name":"Amy Pope","slug":"amy-pope","type":"contributor","data":{},"_proof":"Tag"}]},"coverArt":{"image":{"mimetype":"image/jpeg","s3":{"key":"wilsonquarterly/cover_Distribution of hygiene kits_resized.jpg","bucket":"proof-assets"},"url":"https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2Fcover_Distribution%20of%20hygiene%20kits_resized.jpg","size":1114998},"squareImage":{"mimetype":"image/jpeg","s3":{"key":"wilsonquarterly/cover_Distribution of hygiene kits_resized.jpg","bucket":"proof-assets"},"url":"https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2Fcover_Distribution%20of%20hygiene%20kits_resized.jpg","size":1114998},"altText":"Photo by IOM. "},"textSnippets":{"teaser":"To achieve sustainable development and mitigate the challenges of human displacement, migration must be seen as a solution.","summary":"The Director General of the International Organization on Migration provides a comprehensive understanding of the humanitarian crises driving migration. She outlines how to support communities impacted by migration, and ultimately how to use migration as a tool to address some of the most pressing global challenges. 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The laws of war are designed to uphold a fundamental principle: the moral duty to protect human life, even in the direst situations. In his piece, Fabrizio Carboni draws upon personal experiences working in conflict zones to demonstrate how the laws of war, when adhered to, can help humanitarian assistance efforts, and why they are worth protecting—even in the most protracted conflicts."},"attribution":{"authors":[{"_id":"67103c4de09b113950f21a7c","name":"Fabrizio Carboni","slug":"fabrizio-carboni","type":"contributor","data":{},"_proof":"Tag"}]},"openGraph":{"summary":"Upholding the laws of war is essential for immediate humanitarian relief—and long-term conflict resolution.","title":"Human Dignity and Legal Duty Make the Case for Enforcing the Laws of War","image":{"mimetype":"image/jpeg","s3":{"key":"wilsonquarterly/photo (34).jpeg","bucket":"proof-assets"},"url":"https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2Fphoto%20(34).jpeg","size":540981}},"twitterCard":{"summary":"Upholding the laws of war is essential for immediate humanitarian relief—and long-term conflict resolution.","title":"Human Dignity and Legal Duty Make the Case for Enforcing the Laws of War","image":{"mimetype":"image/jpeg","s3":{"key":"wilsonquarterly/photo (34).jpeg","bucket":"proof-assets"},"url":"https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2Fphoto%20(34).jpeg","size":540981}},"coverArt":{"image":{"mimetype":"image/jpeg","s3":{"key":"wilsonquarterly/photo (34).jpeg","bucket":"proof-assets"},"url":"https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2Fphoto%20(34).jpeg","size":540981},"squareImage":{"mimetype":"image/jpeg","s3":{"key":"wilsonquarterly/photo (34).jpeg","bucket":"proof-assets"},"url":"https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2Fphoto%20(34).jpeg","size":540981}}},"_proof":"Entry"},{"_id":"670eb12de09b113950f21a63","type":"article","title":"As Humanitarian Crises Grow, So Do Risks for Women and Newborns","slug":"as-humanitarian-crises-grow,-so-do-risks-for-women-and-newborns","releaseDate":"2024-10-22T14:48:46.504Z","content":{"textSnippets":{"teaser":"Maternal and newborn health experts on what needs more attention when responding to humanitarian emergencies.","summary":"Sarah B. Barnes engages maternal and newborn health experts to better understand what the needs of women and newborns during a humanitarian crisis."},"openGraph":{"summary":"Maternal and newborn health experts on what needs more attention when responding to humanitarian emergencies.","title":"As Humanitarian Crises Grow, So Do Risks for Women and Newborns","image":{"mimetype":"image/jpeg","s3":{"key":"wilsonquarterly/cover_41582689660_4421912aa9_k_resized.jpg","bucket":"proof-assets"},"url":"https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2Fcover_41582689660_4421912aa9_k_resized.jpg","size":870411}},"twitterCard":{"summary":"Maternal and newborn health experts on what needs more attention when responding to humanitarian emergencies.","title":"As Humanitarian Crises Grow, So Do Risks for Women and Newborns","image":{"mimetype":"image/jpeg","s3":{"key":"wilsonquarterly/cover_41582689660_4421912aa9_k_resized.jpg","bucket":"proof-assets"},"url":"https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2Fcover_41582689660_4421912aa9_k_resized.jpg","size":870411}},"coverArt":{"altText":"Bangladesh. Rohingya women in refugee camps share stories of loss and hopes of recovery. UN Women. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/","image":{"mimetype":"image/jpeg","s3":{"key":"wilsonquarterly/cover_41582689660_4421912aa9_k_resized and cropped.jpg","bucket":"proof-assets"},"url":"https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2Fcover_41582689660_4421912aa9_k_resized%20and%20cropped.jpg","size":773802},"squareImage":{"mimetype":"image/jpeg","s3":{"key":"wilsonquarterly/cover_41582689660_4421912aa9_k_resized and cropped.jpg","bucket":"proof-assets"},"url":"https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2Fcover_41582689660_4421912aa9_k_resized%20and%20cropped.jpg","size":773802}},"attribution":{"authors":[{"_id":"616efee87ed12a546e40e979","name":"Sarah B. 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International Medical Corps has a long history of providing mental health and psychosocial support services in conflict zones and has been working throughout Ukraine since the Russian invasion of February 2022 to integrate these services into all the other services they provide, an approach that is necessary and effective in societies like Ukraine, where seeking mental health assistance is often stigmatized. They are also working closely with government initiatives (including the Ukrainian First Lady’s “Are You Okay?” initiative), local health facilities, and local NGOs to ensure that their services and training programs are customized for local settings. ","teaser":"Conflict is accelerating changes in Ukraine’s mental health system."},"twitterCard":{"image":{"mimetype":"image/jpeg","s3":{"key":"wilsonquarterly/cover_MIH4637-Улучшено-Ум. шума_resized.jpg","bucket":"proof-assets"},"url":"https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2Fcover_MIH4637-%D0%A3%D0%BB%D1%83%D1%87%D1%88%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BE-%D0%A3%D0%BC.%20%D1%88%D1%83%D0%BC%D0%B0_resized.jpg","size":980926},"summary":"Conflict is accelerating changes in Ukraine’s mental health system.","title":"Healing Ukraine's Invisible Scars"},"openGraph":{"image":{"mimetype":"image/jpeg","s3":{"key":"wilsonquarterly/cover_MIH4637-Улучшено-Ум. шума_resized.jpg","bucket":"proof-assets"},"url":"https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2Fcover_MIH4637-%D0%A3%D0%BB%D1%83%D1%87%D1%88%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BE-%D0%A3%D0%BC.%20%D1%88%D1%83%D0%BC%D0%B0_resized.jpg","size":980926},"summary":"Conflict is accelerating changes in Ukraine’s mental health system.","title":"Healing Ukraine's Invisible Scars"}},"_proof":"Entry"},{"_id":"67112e2be09b113950f21a80","type":"article","title":"Saving Lives, One Drone at a Time","slug":"saving-lives,-one-drone-at-a-time","releaseDate":"2024-10-22T14:47:47.168Z","content":{"attribution":{"authors":[{"_id":"627162aa8dbf1f91f304ab8a","name":"Ambassador Mark A. 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Can use of this technology expand and change the course of humanitarian assistance worldwide?","summary":"Innovations in tech are bringing life-saving medicines and supplies to some of the hardest to reach areas. Ambassador Mark A. Green talks with Zipline Co-Founder and CEO Keller Rinaudo Cliffton about the company’s use of drones to deliver blood across the mountainous terrain of Rwanda and other African countries."},"openGraph":{"image":{"mimetype":"image/jpeg","s3":{"key":"wilsonquarterly/Zip-package-drop_resized.jpg","bucket":"proof-assets"},"url":"https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2FZip-package-drop_resized.jpg","size":142418},"summary":"Self-flying drones deliver critical medicine and supplies to some of Africa’s hardest to reach areas. Can use of this technology expand and change the course of humanitarian assistance worldwide?","title":"Saving Lives, One Drone at a Time"},"twitterCard":{"image":{"mimetype":"image/jpeg","s3":{"key":"wilsonquarterly/Zip-package-drop_resized.jpg","bucket":"proof-assets"},"url":"https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2FZip-package-drop_resized.jpg","size":142418},"summary":"Self-flying drones deliver critical medicine and supplies to some of Africa’s hardest to reach areas. Can use of this technology expand and change the course of humanitarian assistance worldwide?","title":"Saving Lives, One Drone at a Time"}},"_proof":"Entry"},{"_id":"67111a94e09b113950f21a7e","type":"article","title":"A World in Crisis","slug":"a-world-in-crisis","releaseDate":"2024-10-22T14:47:54.223Z","content":{"textSnippets":{"teaser":"Examining the USAID humanitarian response system.","summary":"Congress has massively increased the emergency response money of USAID to $9 billion, what Natsios says is almost a shocking level. He tells us what this money may be used for and explains why this category of funding is rising so fast and the systemic problems this amount of money may cause. Finally, he explains the concepts of the relief to development continuum and developmental relief, and why they should be integrated more aggressively into humanitarian aid programs. 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Even more so, humanitarian aid delivery during an active conflict makes it harder to reach populations, threatens humanitarian workers’ safety, and pressures traditional humanitarian values such as impartiality. Recent and ongoing conflicts in Sudan and Ethiopia highlight the challenges that ongoing violence violent conflict creates for access and humanitarian aid delivery. However, the challenges have also led to creativity as individuals and organizations find ways to ensure adequate food, healthcare, and other critical supplies reach communities. We talk with someone working with Sudan Emergency Response Rooms to learn more."},"openGraph":{"summary":"Amid Sudan’s civil war, Emergency Response Rooms are mobilizing volunteers to get food, medicine, and other vital supplies to people in need.","title":"Volunteers Open Doors in Sudan Typically Closed to International Aid Groups"},"twitterCard":{"summary":"Amid Sudan’s civil war, Emergency Response Rooms are mobilizing volunteers to get food, medicine, and other vital supplies to people in need.","title":"Volunteers Open Doors in Sudan Typically Closed to International Aid Groups"},"attribution":{"authors":[{"_id":"67100a78e09b113950f21a72","name":"Aaron Stanley","slug":"aaron-stanley","type":"contributor","data":{},"_proof":"Tag"},{"_id":"67100a95e09b113950f21a73","name":"Alsanosi Adam","slug":"alsanosi-adam","type":"contributor","data":{},"_proof":"Tag"}]},"coverArt":{"image":{"mimetype":"image/jpeg","s3":{"key":"wilsonquarterly/Cover_AP24240408622602_resized.jpg","bucket":"proof-assets"},"url":"https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2FCover_AP24240408622602_resized.jpg","size":1662448},"squareImage":{"mimetype":"image/jpeg","s3":{"key":"wilsonquarterly/Cover_AP24240408622602_resized.jpg","bucket":"proof-assets"},"url":"https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2FCover_AP24240408622602_resized.jpg","size":1662448}}},"_proof":"Entry"},{"_id":"67101908e09b113950f21a74","type":"article","title":"Here to Serve","slug":"here-to-serve","releaseDate":"2024-10-22T14:48:23.544Z","content":{"attribution":{"authors":[{"_id":"616efbdb7ed12a546e40e972","name":"Stephanie Bowen","slug":"stephanie-bowen","type":"contributor","data":{},"_proof":"Tag"},{"_id":"67101951e09b113950f21a75","name":"Robert Hokanson","slug":"robert-hokanson","type":"contributor","data":{},"_proof":"Tag"}]},"coverArt":{"image":{"mimetype":"image/jpeg","s3":{"key":"wilsonquarterly/cover_AP428460416322_resized.jpg","bucket":"proof-assets"},"url":"https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2Fcover_AP428460416322_resized.jpg","size":1115544},"squareImage":{"mimetype":"image/jpeg","s3":{"key":"wilsonquarterly/cover_AP428460416322_resized.jpg","bucket":"proof-assets"},"url":"https://proof-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wilsonquarterly%2Fcover_AP428460416322_resized.jpg","size":1115544}},"textSnippets":{"teaser":"With deep-held values to help those in need and large global networks, faith-based organizations play a unique role in providing humanitarian assistance.","summary":"The Church of Latter-day Saints is one of the many faith-based organizations that provide humanitarian assistance around the world. They often work with other FBOs—like Islamic Relief and Catholic Community Services—and organizations like the World Food Program, Shelter Box, and UNHCR, among others. This Q\u0026A explores the unique role that faith-based institutions play in providing humanitarian assistance, how it dovetails with broader values, and allows them to tap into their community to provide significant humanitarian support (both in dollars and actions), while helping their congregants find deeper purpose. 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