Cancellation of human rights defenders’ relocation to Dutch Shelter Cities

Cancellation of human rights defenders’ relocation to Dutch Shelter Cities

Dear Shelter City friends,

We regret to announce that we cancelled the arrival of the next group of human rights defenders to Shelter Cities in the Netherlands in March 2020.

We took this decision in light of the recent developments related to the COVID-19 virus. Our priority is the health and safety of human rights defenders and our partners. The announcements recently made by the Dutch government confirmed that it would not be possible to offer a safe space for human rights defenders as we instead intend to do.

We hope to be able to offer the opportunity of relocation to Shelter Cities in the Netherlands next autumn.

In the meantime, we will discuss how to continue supporting the important work of human rights defenders. We are considering offering online trainings and we are also exploring alternative options for those activists looking for immediate relocation.

Thank you for your understanding,

The Shelter City community