Our website uses functional and analytics cookies.

More information
Donate
Donate

Human rights defenders

Human rights defenders

Human rights defenders advocate for the realization and protection of one or more human rights and fundamental freedoms, such as equal treatment, freedom of speech or access to education. Sometimes they address human rights violations against a specific group, for example children, women or LGBTIQA+ people. Many human rights defenders experience heavy resistance on their path to change. Because of their efforts, they face harassment, slander or even physical violence.

What we offer for human rights defenders at risk

What does Shelter City do?

Shelter City provides human rights defenders at risk a temporary place for three months where they are safe, can rely on solidarity and receive support tailored to their needs. We enable them to re-energize, engage with allies and develop their skills, knowledge and resilience.

Why does Shelter City support human rights defenders at risk?

Everyone should be able to safely contribute to a better world. When human rights defenders are nevertheless being threatened because of their efforts, they must be able to count on global solidarity. With our support, we aim to enable them to continue their work with renewed energy and in a more safe and effective way. Moreover, in our vision, supporting local change-makers is the most powerful and straight way to contribute to local change.

 

 

  • Safe space for three months
  • A space to rest and re-energize
  • Tailormade support
  • Security training
  • Wellbeing activities
  • Skills and knowledge development
  • The opportunity to network with allies

We are human rights defenders

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to human rights defenders. They encompass a range of spaces and advocate for different categories of human rights and causes, whether as an individual or collectively.

"I was feeling exhausted - the work was getting too much. My time in Shelter City was a relief to me and allowed me to come back fresh."

LGBTIQA+ rights defender from Uganda

"During Shelter City, I was treated with respect and dignity for the first time ever in my life. I learned what real human rights are, human rights as a lifestyle. I gained knowledge and power and am now passing it on."

Dalit rights defender from India

"I have gained new energy and am now better prepared. Shelter City has shown me that it is better to be silent for a while, than to have to keep silent forever."

Indigenous rights defender from Nicaragua

"I felt the need to rest. In our country, that is not an option. Participating in Tai Chi, the medical care and the support of the team has helped me a lot. For me, the work that Shelter City does is very valuable."

Environmental and indigenous rights defender from Honduras

"You gave me my motivation back, made me feel important again as a human rights defender."

Journalist from Honduras

Apply

Apply to our call for applications

Resources

For human rights defenders

Our Stories

Henry, building spaces of joy and dignity for persons with disabilities
Henry Chivhanga is a 56-year-old Zimbabwean human rights defender who advocates for disability rights. He was a guest in Shelter City Nijmegen in the Spring of 2025. Henry leads the Disability Amalgamation Community Trust (DACT) as its founder and director. They are an organization dedicated towards the representation of minority voices and agency, especially people […]
Shelter City Nijmegen
AL, ensuring safety and dignity for LGBTIQA+ and neurodiverse communities in Madagascar
Content warning: The following article contains descriptions of sexual violence and violence against LGBTIQA+ persons that might be upsetting or disturbing to some readers. My name is AL, and I’m a defender for the rights of queer and neurodiverse people in Madagascar. I define myself as an agender, neurodiverse, and queer person, as well as […]
Shelter City Amsterdam
Hanna, a journalist from Ukraine on sisterhood, human rights advocacy, and peacemaking
Honouring the contributions of journalists and women on the International Day of Women Human Rights Defenders.
Shelter City The Hague
Miluska, advocating for legal protections for the LGBTIQA+ community
Miluska, transwoman, lawyer, and LGBTIQA+ rights defender from Peru reflects on her journey and work as a human rights defender.
Shelter City The Hague
Lou, documenting children’s rights in the Philippines
As a Shelter City Research Fellow at the Asser Institute, Lou, a human rights defender from the Philippines, investigated the accessibility of international justice mechanisms for child victims.
Shelter City The Hague
Guliaim, encouraging to find the activist within you
Guliaim, women's rights defender from Kyrgyzstan, shares her journey and hopes for Kyrgyz women and the future of her country.
Shelter City Nijmegen
Sylvain, advocating for disability rights in the DRC
Sylvain is a disability rights defender from the Democratic Republic of Congo who stayed in Shelter City Rotterdam. Faced with challenges due to the ongoing discrimination against persons with disabilities, he strives to strengthen their participation and inclusion in society.
Shelter City Rotterdam
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
Read more

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay up to date with all news and events.