Journalists
Journalists defend human rights by striving to protect our rights to free press and freedom of expression by sharing accurate, unbiased information with the public.
Journalists may work to uncover human rights abuses that they discover, witness and even experience. Their courage to investigate, document, and report human rights violations for the public’s own knowledge allows others to learn of issues that they otherwise would not have known and demand that justice be granted.
Due to the nature of their work and sensitive information that journalists reveal concerning powerful states, organizations and individuals, they are likely to face major risks in many parts of the world. Their critical reporting is often met with consistent attempts to silence them. The cost of their work is reflected in their daily and personal lives as they face surveillance by powerful actors, threats, attacks, arbitrary arrests and detention, and possibly, enforced disappearance or killings.
Protecting journalists at risk as they continue their work is crucial to safeguarding press freedom and our freedom of expression.
Additional support to journalists at risk
Since 2020, Shelter City in the Netherlands provides two additional spaces to journalists at risk per year.
This support is made possible thanks to the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Read more about this support here.
Journalists hosted by Shelter City Netherlands are also supported by Fred Foundation.
Shelter City stands side by side with journalists.
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
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