Human rights defenders

A human rights defender (HRD) is a person who, individually or with others, acts to promote or protect human rights non-violently. Human rights defenders are on the frontline of defending human rights. 

With the shrinking space for civil society, defending human rights is becoming more dangerous. HRDs are often at risk, psychologically as a result of working under intense pressure (e.g. risk of burnout) and/or physically – they are silenced, arrested, tortured and sometimes simply disappear.

“Those who take risks need to be encouraged in their fight for the freedom of expression” (Lawyer from D.R. Congo, candidate Shelter City The Hague)

The Shelter City Network provides these human rights defenders the ability to take a breath for a short period. They can get off the radar for some time, regain their energy, and go back stronger.