Rest and re-energize

We provide human rights defenders with the time and space to recuperate and reflect upon their work, enabling them to return to their activism re-energized. Being away from difficult circumstances and surrounded by inspiring environments can stimulate defenders to focus on their well-being and strategically develop their activism.

Tailored support and capacity-building

During their stay, human rights defenders can benefit from educational resources designed to increase their effectiveness, their research capacity, and their ability to influence policy and practice when they return home. We believe that enhancing the defenders’ skills is a sustainable way to bring about medium and long-term social change in their home countries.

Engage with local allies

At Shelter City York, human rights defenders have the opportunity to conduct advocacy sessions to further their work, expand their network of contacts in the United Kingdom and Europe, such as with UK-based human rights scholars, and engage with the general public by sharing their stories and experiences in human rights activism.