Qader Shafiq
Director of Bureau Wijland
Our support
Rest and re-energize
Beautiful landscapes and unique nature make Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands, and its surroundings a perfect space for human rights defenders to recharge their energy and focus on their wellbeing. Whether they are taking a stroll through the forest, riding a bike through the city or attending sport classes, defenders have the opportunity to take a break in a safe and inspiring environment.
Tailored support and capacity-building
At Shelter City Nijmegen, we want to make sure that the stay of the defenders is as fruitful as possible, which is why we offer them university and language courses at Radboud University. Our tailored support enables defenders to strengthen their knowledge and capacities in areas relevant for them and their work.
Engage with local allies
In Nijmegen, the human rights defenders can count on the support and companionship of our volunteers and buddies. Together with our partners, we also organize activities and events for the defenders to meet the local residents of Nijmegen and make useful contacts. This enables the defenders to extend their network, which can be useful when they return back home.
Our team
Coordinating organization
Nijmegen
Coordinates Shelter City Nijmegen and the stay of the guests
Partner organization
Nijmegen
Financially supports Shelter City Nijmegen and connects the Mayor of Nijmegen with every guest
Partner organization
Nijmegen
Provides facility support
Partner organization
Nijmegen
Provides housing to guests during their three-month stay
Partner organization
Nijmegen
Provides English lessons to guests that would like to improve their English
Partner organization
Nijmegen
Provides courses at the university and connects guests with academics in relevant fields
Partner organization
Nijmegen
Organizes visits to high schools in Nijmegen and connects guests with local youth, women and NGOs
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
Luis, building peace through the fight against impunity in Venezuela
In 2023, Luis wrote this article in commemoration of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.
Shelter City The Hague
David, in search of justice for missing persons
David is a human rights defender from Mexico focused on advising and guiding family members of missing persons.
Shelter City Utrecht
Yendri, mobilizing LGBTIQ+ communities in Venezuela
Yendri works on advancing the rights of Venezuelan LGBTIQ+ individuals. Find out more about his work through a podcast episode and documentary.
Shelter City Utrecht
Nataliia, a journalist in service of human rights
Nataliia documents human rights violations and the plight of minorities such as the LGBTQ+ community, migrants, and people living with HIV.
Shelter City Nijmegen
Angel Sulub, keeping Mayan values alive
Angel, an indigenous rights defender from Mexico, shares how he is working to keep Mayan values alive.
Shelter City Nijmegen
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
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…
News
July 16, 2024
Celebrating 5 years of Shelter City Rotterdam
On 3 June, Shelter City Rotterdam celebrated its fifth anniversary of hosting and supporting human rights defenders at risk with Shelter City guests, partners, and…
Events
6 Jul 2024
Shelter City Nijmegen: Walk in solidarity with human rights defenders
Support Shelter City Nijmegen and participate in the 5th edition of the Solidarity Walk at Land van Ooij.
Events
15 May 2024
Human Library: Sharing International Stories
Shelter City The Hague invites you to listen to the stories of four LGBTIQ+ rights defenders in honour of Pride The Hague.
Events
26 May 2024
Impunity in Latin America: Film screening and discussion
Shelter City Utrecht invites you to a film screening and discussion about impunity in Latin America featuring the screening of the inspiring documentary “Chocolate de…
Events
May 6, 2024 - Jun 4, 2024
Photo Exhibition: Portraits of Courage
From May 6 to June 4 Shelter City Utrecht has organized an inspiring exhibition in the Utrecht Library. The exhibition highlights powerful stories of human…
News
March 21, 2024
Andi recounts her experience in Shelter City and the importance of International Women’s Day
Andi, LGBTIQ+ rights defender from Malaysia, reflects on her time in Shelter City Netherlands and what is important to acknowledge on International Women's Day.
News
March 12, 2024
Shelter City Utrecht, believing that change is achievable
Set up nine years ago, Shelter City Utrecht has a long history of finding innovative ways of supporting guests. Read the article, written by the…
News
February 6, 2024
Shelter City Netherlands: Call for Applications
Shelter City Netherlands: Call for Applications Justice & Peace Netherlands is launching a new call for applications for human rights defenders at risk to participate…
News
February 6, 2024
Shelter City Pays-Bas: Appel à candidatures
Shelter City Pays-Bas Appel à candidatures Justice et Paix Pays-Bas (Justice & Peace Netherlands) lance un nouvel appel aux défenseurs des droits humains en danger…
News
February 6, 2024
Shelter City Países Bajos: Convocatoria de solicitudes
Shelter City Países Bajos: Convocatoria de solicitudes Justicia y Paz Países Bajos (Justice & Peace Netherlands) abre nuevamente las candidaturas al programa Shelter City Países…
News
January 31, 2024
Adil Meléndez, Sir Henry Brooke Award recipient
Adil Meléndez, a former Shelter City The Hague guest, was awarded the Sir Henry Brooke award in London by the Alliance for Lawyers at Risk.
News
January 26, 2024
From Africa to Europe: Enhancing global collaborations to protect human rights defenders at risk
Shelter City Global Partner Meeting From Africa to Europe: Enhancing global collaborations to protect human rights defenders at risk In October 2023, Justice & Peace…
Events
Jan 13, 2024 - Jan 31, 2024
Shelter City Utrecht Photo Exhibition
Shelter City Utrecht invites you to a photo exhibition during the month of January, which highlights former and current Shelter City Utrecht guests.
News
November 28, 2023
Shelter City Utrecht guest Mona gave a lecture at University College Utrecht
Originally published by Peace Brigades International Netherlands on 9 November 2023 On Wednesday, November 1st, Mona shared her story with the students from the University…