We are Shelter City

A global movement for human rights defenders at risk

Learn more about us here
We are Shelter City

Shelter City is a global movement that offers safe and inspiring spaces to human rights defenders at risk where they can re-energize, receive tailormade support and engage with allies in order to reinforce their local actions for change.

Our impact

We envision a world where we can all safely contribute to just and peaceful societies.

21
Shelter Cities around the world
100
Partner organizations
526
Human rights defenders

Our locations

We offer safe and inspiring spaces all over the world. Find our locations on the map.

Our Stories

Sheyla: “Libertad” es mi palabra favorita
"Soy Sheyla Urdaneta, soy periodista y mujer: un doble riesgo en Venezuela, donde se viola la libertad de expresión y de prensa."
Shelter City Haarlem
Sheyla: ‘Freedom’ is my favourite word
"I am Sheyla Urdaneta, I am a journalist, and a woman: a double risk in Venezuela, where liberty of expression and press are constricted."
Shelter City Haarlem
Zabib, balancing motherhood and activism in South Sudan
"Being an activist shouldn’t stop women from having children, and having children shouldn’t stop women from their activist work. Let’s not give up."
Shelter City Rotterdam
Félix, shedding light on the harsh reality in Mexico, despite the dangers
Learn more about Félix, a Mexican photojournalist and a human rights defender.
Shelter City Amsterdam
Jhon León: defensores de los derechos humanos unidos por Shelter City para cambiar el mundo
Jhon es un defensor de derechos humanos colombiano. Aquí reflexiona sobre cómo Shelter City ha impactado, de manera positiva, su vida y trabajo.
Shelter City The Hague
Jhon León: Shelter City unites human rights defenders to change the world
John is a Colombian human rights defender. Here he reflects on how Shelter City has positively impacted his life and his work.
Shelter City The Hague
Raúl, creating safe spaces for the LGBTIQ+ community
Read about Mexican LGBTIQ+ defender Raul and his work to provide shelter to LGBTIQ+ persons.
Shelter City Utrecht
Wiecza, fighting for a better future for Venezuela
Learn more about Wiecza, a Venezuelan lawyer and human rights defender.
Shelter City Eindhoven

Get involved

Join the
movement

Become a Shelter City

Set up a safe and inspiring space.

Volunteer

Support visiting human rights defenders.

Access
support

Get resources

All the tools you need, in one place.

Apply

Apply for a stay in a Shelter City.

Stand
side by side

Donate

Contribute to the cause of human rights defenders.

Learn

Get to know human rights defenders and their work.

Apply now

Apply to our call for applications

The call for applications is currently closed.

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