Human rights defenders

Human rights defenders

Human rights defenders advocate for the realization and protection of one or more human rights and fundamental freedoms, such as equal treatment, freedom of speech or access to education. Sometimes they address human rights violations against a specific group, for example children, women or LGBTIQ+ people. Many human rights defenders experience heavy resistance on their path to change. Because of their efforts, they face harassment, slander or even physical violence.

What we offer for human rights defenders at risk

What does Shelter City do?

Shelter City provides human rights defenders at risk a temporary place for three months where they are safe, can rely on solidarity and receive support tailored to their needs. We enable them to re-energize, engage with allies and develop their skills, knowledge and resilience.

Why does Shelter City support human rights defenders at risk?

Everyone should be able to safely contribute to a better world. When human rights defenders are nevertheless being threatened because of their efforts, they must be able to count on global solidarity. With our support, we aim to enable them to continue their work with renewed energy and in a more safe and effective way. Moreover, in our vision, supporting local change-makers is the most powerful and straight way to contribute to local change.

 

 

  • Safe space for three months
  • A space to rest and re-energize
  • Tailormade support
  • Security training
  • Wellbeing activities
  • Skills and knowledge development
  • The opportunity to network with allies

We are human rights defenders

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to human rights defenders. They encompass a range of spaces and advocate for different categories of human rights and causes, whether as an individual or collectively.

"I was feeling exhausted - the work was getting too much. My time in Shelter City was a relief to me and allowed me to come back fresh."

LGBTIQ+ activist from Uganda

"During Shelter City, I was treated with respect and dignity for the first time ever in my life. I learned what real human rights are, human rights as a lifestyle. I gained knowledge and power and am now passing it on."

Dalit rights activist from India

"I have gained new energy and am now better prepared. Shelter City has shown me that it is better to be silent for a while, than to have to keep silent forever."

Indigenous rights defender from Nicaragua

"I felt the need to rest. In our country, that is not an option. Participating in Tai Chi, the medical care and the support of the team has helped me a lot. For me, the work that Shelter City does is very valuable."

Environmental and indigenous rights defender from Honduras

"You gave me my motivation back, made me feel important again as a human rights defender."

Journalist from Honduras

Apply now

Apply to our call for applications

Currently the call for the next enrollment is closed.

Resources

For human rights defenders

All the tools you need, in one place.

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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