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.
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
Juvie, using documentation as a tool against injustice
Juvie, a human rights defender from the Philippines, shares her journey of over a decade in grassroots activism and documenting human rights violations.
Shelter City Maastricht
Iván, reflecting on his journey as a human rights defender
Iván, former diplomat and Shelter City Amsterdam guest, shares his personal journey of becoming a human rights defender.
Shelter City Amsterdam
Iván, reflexionando sobre su trayectoria como defensor de los derechos humanos
Iván, antiguo diplomático y huésped de Shelter City Amsterdam, comparte su trayectoria personal como defensor de los derechos humanos.
Shelter City Amsterdam