Re-energize
Human rights defenders can temporarily escape from their threatening situation and rest and re-energize in a safe, warm and inspiring environment.
Our support
Tailormade support
They receive support tailored to their individual needs, for example medical care, psychological support, security trainings and development of expertise.
Engage with allies
They can exchange experiences, spread awareness, and expand their network with new allies, such as fellow human rights defenders, people and organizations.
Tailormade support
They receive support tailored to their individual needs, for example medical care, psychological support, security trainings and development of expertise.
Engage with allies
They can exchange experiences, spread awareness, and expand their network with new allies, such as fellow human rights defenders, people and organizations.
Our impact
We envision a world where we can all safely contribute to just and peaceful societies.
26
Shelter Cities globally
100+
Partners around the world
1000+
Human rights defenders
Our locations
We offer safe and inspiring spaces all over the world. Find our locations on the map.
Henry, building spaces of joy and dignity for persons with disabilities
Henry Chivhanga is a 56-year-old Zimbabwean human rights defender who advocates for disability rights. He was a guest in Shelter City Nijmegen in the Spring of 2025. Henry leads the Disability Amalgamation Community Trust (DACT) as its founder and director. They are an organization dedicated towards the representation of minority voices and agency, especially people […]
Shelter City Nijmegen
AL, ensuring safety and dignity for LGBTIQA+ and neurodiverse communities in Madagascar
Content warning: The following article contains descriptions of sexual violence and violence against LGBTIQA+ persons that might be upsetting or disturbing to some readers. My name is AL, and I’m a defender for the rights of queer and neurodiverse people in Madagascar. I define myself as an agender, neurodiverse, and queer person, as well as […]
Shelter City Amsterdam
Hanna, a journalist from Ukraine on sisterhood, human rights advocacy, and peacemaking
Honouring the contributions of journalists and women on the International Day of Women Human Rights Defenders.
Shelter City The Hague
Miluska, advocating for legal protections for the LGBTIQA+ community
Miluska, transwoman, lawyer, and LGBTIQA+ rights defender from Peru reflects on her journey and work as a human rights defender.
Shelter City The Hague
Lou, documenting children’s rights in the Philippines
As a Shelter City Research Fellow at the Asser Institute, Lou, a human rights defender from the Philippines, investigated the accessibility of international justice mechanisms for child victims.
Shelter City The Hague
Guliaim, encouraging to find the activist within you
Guliaim, women's rights defender from Kyrgyzstan, shares her journey and hopes for Kyrgyz women and the future of her country.
Shelter City Nijmegen
Sylvain, advocating for disability rights in the DRC
Sylvain is a disability rights defender from the Democratic Republic of Congo who stayed in Shelter City Rotterdam. Faced with challenges due to the ongoing discrimination against persons with disabilities, he strives to strengthen their participation and inclusion in society.
Shelter City Rotterdam
Czarina, being an activist when they’ve labelled you a terrorist in the Philippines
Czarina, a human rights lawyer from the Philippines, shares how her activism has continued to motivate her despite the severe challenges she faces.
Shelter City Rotterdam
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News
December 19, 2025
Activist care weaving memory, knowledge, and mobility into protection
Human rights work demands courage, but courage alone cannot withstand the pressures defenders face today: criminalization, digital surveillance, burnout, exile, and the steady erosion of…
News
October 23, 2025
Stronger together: Reflections from the 2025 Shelter City Netherlands Partners’ Meeting
Photography credits: Maria Indjeian Diaz In a world where civic space is shrinking and human rights defenders face increasing risks, the annual Shelter City Netherlands…
News
September 15, 2025
Shelter City Leipzig is opening its doors to journalists at risk
In the vibrant city of Leipzig, the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) has been standing up for press freedom across Europe for over…
News
August 25, 2025
Celebrating 10 years of Shelter City Nijmegen
A decade of standing side by side with human rights defenders On June 13, Shelter City Nijmegen convened former and current participants, partners, and local…
News
July 20, 2025
Shelter City Países Bajos: Convocatoria de solicitudes
Solicitudes abiertas Justice & Peace Netherlands abre nuevamente las postulaciones al programa Shelter City Países Bajos. La fecha límite para los solicitudes es el 10 de…
News
July 20, 2025
Shelter City Pays-Bas: Appel à candidatures
Shelter City Pays-Bas 2026 Justice & Peace Netherlands lance un nouvel appel aux défenseurs des droits humains en danger pour participer à Shelter City Pays-Bas.…
News
July 20, 2025
Shelter City Netherlands: Call for applications
Applications are now open Justice & Peace Netherlands is launching a new call for applications for human rights defenders at risk to participate in Shelter…
News
May 28, 2025
Human Library: Sharing International Stories 2nd Edition
In collaboration with Voorlichting COC Haaglanden and COC Haaglanden, we hosted a storytelling event focused on LGBTIQ+ rights defenders worldwide.
News
April 10, 2025
The city of Amstelveen joins Shelter City to support human rights lawyers
The city of Amstelveen joins the global movement of Shelter City in its mission of providing safe and inspiring spaces for human rights defenders at…
News
March 26, 2025
Shelter City Costa Rica abre su periodo de convocatoria – 2025
La convocatoria de candidaturas para Shelter City Costa Rica ya está abierta. Puede completar su solicitud hasta el día 15 de abril del 2025 a…
News
February 18, 2025
A tribute to Iyad Haddad, Palestinian human rights defender
Shelter City mourns the passing of Iyad Haddad, a Palestinian human rights defender and former guest of Shelter City The Hague.
News
February 13, 2025
Shelter City York: Guidelines for Universities Hosting Human Rights Defenders
Shelter City York has launched the Guidelines for Universities Hosting Human Rights Defenders.
News
January 21, 2025
Shelter City York: Nominations for Fellowships
University of York's Centre for Applied Human Rights (CAHR) is currently accepting nominations for human rights defenders in need of a temporary relocation to a…
News
December 6, 2024
Global solidarity in the protection landscape
From 8 to 11 October, partners gathered in Georgia to reflect, rest, and reinforce their commitment to providing safe spaces for human rights defenders at…
News
October 21, 2024
Strengthening collaboration in the Netherlands
On 26 September, 12 Shelter Cities from across the Netherlands gathered to exchange insights and strengthen collective efforts in supporting human rights defenders at risk.
News
September 30, 2024
Luis, awarded The Albie for his journalism
On 26 September, Luis Carlos Díaz, journalist and human rights defender from Venezuela was awarded The Albie: Justice for Journalists Award.
News
September 20, 2024
Shelter City Costa Rica abre su periodo de convocatoria – octubre 2024
La convocatoria de candidaturas para Shelter City Costa Rica ya está abierta. Puede completar su solicitud hasta el 20 de octubre de 2024 a las…
News
August 1, 2024
Shelter City Netherlands: Call for applications
Justice & Peace Netherlands is launching a new call for applications for human rights defenders at risk to participate in Shelter City Netherlands. The deadline…
News
August 1, 2024
Shelter City Pays-Bas: Appel à candidatures
Justice & Peace Netherlands lance un nouvel appel aux défenseurs des droits humains en danger pour participer à Shelter City Pays-Bas. La date limite de…
News
August 1, 2024
Shelter City Países Bajos: Convocatoria de solicitudes
Justice & Peace Netherlands abre nuevamente las candidaturas al programa Shelter City Países Bajos. La fecha límite para los solicitudes es el 30 de agosto…
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