Deventer

The beautiful city of Deventer is known for its Hanseatic and internationally-oriented past, which are reflected in the mix of cultures of people who now call the city their home. Driven by its international composition, strong support for human rights, and local solidarity with human rights defenders, Deventer became a Shelter City in 2018 as a collaboration between the municipality of Deventer, Humanitas Residential Care Center Deventer and Saxion University of Applied Sciences.

Our support

Rest and re-enegize

We show respect for the individuality of each human rights defender, so they feel comfortable being themselves throughout their stay. In Deventer, defenders can focus on their well-being and care for their health while enjoying Deventer’s calm and natural surroundings. 

Tailored support and capacity-building

In Shelter City Deventer, human rights defenders receive support tailored to their individual needs, for example medical care and development of expertise. Guests also have the opportunity to strengthen their capacities through courses at the Saxion University, which can benefit their personal and professional development. 

Engage with local allies

In Shelter City Deventer, human rights defenders can choose to speak at various events and platforms about their work. These sessions enable defenders to raise awareness about the human rights situation in their country, connect with a wider audience, and reinforce support for their cause. Defenders can also meet with local organizations to expand their international network of supporters.

Our team

Nicoleta Mitut
Nicoleta Mitut

Manager International Affairs, Deventer Municipality

Johan Kuiper
Johan Kuiper

Shelter City Deventer Coordinator

Jan Henk van der Kolk
Jan Henk van der Kolk

Project Coordinator, Humanitas Residential Care Center Deventer

Jan Reinder Glaastra
Jan Reinder Glaastra

Advisor to the Board, Saxion University of Applied Sciences

Our stories

Juvie, using documentation as a tool against injustice
Juvie, a human rights defender from the Philippines, shares her journey of over a decade in grassroot activism and documenting human rights violations against indigenous communities. Despite facing danger and emotional exhaustion, her work strives for accountability and justice. She continues to be passionate and believes that “one day [change] will happen, and more people will care about human rights”.
Shelter City Maastricht
Iván, reflecting on his journey as a human rights defender
Iván, former diplomat and Shelter City Amsterdam guest, shares his personal journey of becoming a human rights defender.
Shelter City Amsterdam
Iván, reflexionando sobre su trayectoria como defensor de los derechos humanos
Iván, antiguo diplomático y huésped de Shelter City Amsterdam, comparte su trayectoria personal como defensor de los derechos humanos.
Shelter City Amsterdam
Kiruba, fighting caste cruelties in India
Read Kiruba's story of challenging caste-based atrocities and discrimination in India.
Shelter City Nijmegen
Arsène, adding drops of justice in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Arsène shares his story as a human rights defender and lawyer in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Shelter City The Hague
Clasien, part of a global movement of human rights defenders
Clasien shares with us her experience coordinating Shelter City Tilburg and what it means to her to work with human rights defenders.
Shelter City Tilburg
Clasien, deel van een wereldwijde beweging van mensenrechten verdedigers
Clasien deelt met ons haar ervaring met het coördineren van Shelter City Tilburg en wat het voor haar betekent om met mensenrechtenverdedigers te werken.
Shelter City Tilburg
Olga, resilient in her journey for justice
During her three-month stay in The Hague, Olga penned a story to share her personal journey as a human rights defender in Venezuela.
Shelter City The Hague

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