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.

24
Shelter Cities globally
100+
Partners around the world
900+
Human rights defenders

Our locations

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

Our Stories

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
Juvie, using documentation as a tool against injustice
Juvie, a human rights defender from the Philippines, shares her journey of over a decade in grassroots activism and documenting human rights violations.
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

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

Find out more about how to apply to a Shelter City

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