The ICRC said it is ready to support efforts to release detainees held in Sudan, working as a neutral intermediary if the conflict parties request its involvement. The ICRC spokesperson said the organization is aware of recent public statements about possible detainee releases and has remained in close contact with the United Nations on the matter.

The ICRC said it does not comment publicly on sensitive, ongoing or potential arrangements, citing long-standing confidentiality practices. It added that when it is asked to help in prisoner release operations, the selection of detainees is determined entirely by the parties to the conflict. The ICRC said it does not participate in establishing selection criteria and has no role in deciding which names appear on final lists.

The ICRC further stated that it does not publish lists of detainees, confirm identities publicly, or disclose personal information. It described its role as purely humanitarian—aimed at facilitating safe, dignified and voluntary transfers agreed by the parties—without determining reasons for detention, legal status, or charges.

Meanwhile, Sudan’s government welcomed a UN initiative proposed by the UN secretary-general’s envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, according to reporting, describing it as a prisoner-exchange framework involving coordination with the UN envoy and the ICRC. Lawyers’ groups also urged that any exchanges not be limited to military detainees and called for wider releases, including civilians held arbitrarily, alongside humanitarian access and detainees’ ability to communicate with families and legal representatives.