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Shelter Cities around the world
Shelter City Impact Study
In 2021, Justice & Peace Netherlands, the organization who initiated Shelter City in 2012, asked external consultant Danille de Winter to conduct a study on Shelter City. The aim of the study was to explore the impact made by Shelter City in the Netherlands on the work and lives of participating human rights defenders and their organizations over the course of 10 years.
The results of the study were collected in a report that it is now available for everyone to read and share.
Click here to download the Shelter City Impact Study.
All information and research (excluding photos) are by Danielle de Winter from DBMresearch. DBMresearch was commissioned by Justice & Peace Netherlands to conduct an external evaluation of Shelter City.
Study summary
- Interviews with former Shelter City guests
- 4 impact indicators
- 5 impact stories
- Detailed explanation of the Shelter City’s impact
Our impact in numbers
We envision a world where we can all safely contribute to just and peaceful societies.
100
Partner organizations
900+
Human rights defenders supported
The main results:
- Shelter City has supported human rights defenders to continue their work by letting them re-energize away from threats, network with other defenders, and acquire more confidence and recognition for their efforts.
- Shelter City participants were able to develop new mechanisms around their advocacy and activism.
- Participants now apply improved strategies in their work, as well as wellbeing practices after trainings offered by Justice & Peace Netherlands.
- Shelter City guests feel safer as a result of the increased security measures and the worldwide network they were able to establish during their stay.
- Participants’ local communities and organizations also benefit from Shelter City as participants share their knowledge, skills and networks with them upon return.
Our impact stories
A chance to re-energize
This story belongs to a journalist from Eastern Europe. Prior to Shelter City, due to severe threats and stress, they were not able to continue their work.
Re-strategizing our work
This story belongs to an activist advocating against female genital mutilation and early marriage. Prior to Shelter City, they lay all of their organization's duties solely on their shoulders.
Sustaining our work for the long-term
This story belongs to a lawyer who represents LGBTIQ+ rights activists. Before participating in Shelter City, they shared that they felt their human rights work was less strategic and less digitally protected.
A chance to re-energize
This story belongs to a journalist from Eastern Europe. Prior to Shelter City, due to severe threats and stress, they were not able to continue their work.
Re-strategizing our work
This story belongs to an activist advocating against female genital mutilation and early marriage. Prior to Shelter City, they lay all of their organization's duties solely on their shoulders.
Sustaining our work for the long-term
This story belongs to a lawyer who represents LGBTIQ+ rights activists. Before participating in Shelter City, they shared that they felt their human rights work was less strategic and less digitally protected.
Feeling protected
This story belongs to a human rights defender who is advocating for students' rights. Prior to Shelter City, they felt alone, and did not have a support network to fall back on.
Empowering myself to empower others
This story belongs to an indigenous rights defender. Prior to Shelter City, the demand of their work and context did not allow them to step back or take a break.
Read the Impact Study on Issuu
"Even though it has been over a year that I have participated in Shelter City, I still benefit from the experience each day"
“My experience at Shelter City allowed me to empower myself and my collective”
“My stay at Shelter City in the Netherlands changed how I approach my human rights work."
“I learned to work in a constructive way, more strategically, and less warrior-like."
“The fact that I did not have to look across my shoulder constantly created a great deal of relief and allowed me to recuperate.”
“The Shelter City programme reminded me that I am human before being a defender.”