In 2023, we commemorate the 175th anniversary of the Dutch Constitution and the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which promotes dignity, justice, and freedom for all. This global theme is celebrated widely in Maastricht.
Shelter City Maastricht was founded in 2015 and provides a safe haven for human rights defenders at risk worldwide. Human rights defenders receive tailormade support, expand their knowledge and skills, and broaden their network with students and organizations to advocate for human rights.
Maastricht Human Rights Week is organized by partner organizations in Maastricht dedicated to human rights – the municipality of Maastricht, Maastricht University, Mondiaal Maastricht and Anti Discriminatie Voorziening (ADV). With its aim of raising awareness for human rights, activities during this week strive to inspire others to join the fight for a more just world.
On 23 May, we will celebrate the opening of the #WeAreAllHumanRightsDefenders gallery as well as Shelter City night, which features a panel discussion with human rights experts.
View the full agenda for Maastricht Human Rights Week here.
#WeAreAllHumanRightsDefenders Gallery
In conjunction with Maastricht Human Rights Week,
the #WeAreAllHumanRightsDefenders gallery has come to life! Organized and conceptualized by students of Maastricht University in collaboration with Justice & Peace Netherlands and Mondiaal Maastricht, the gallery showcases the work of inspiring human rights defenders worldwide and in Maastricht.
In this gallery, you will learn about the work of activists, lawyers, journalists, and community organizers who have called Maastricht their home over the last decade. This includes former Shelter City guests, local human rights defenders, and students.
From LGBTIQ+ rights, and freedom of expression, to protest for the right to just trials, gender equality and environmental justice, and more, everyone is welcome to this gallery – a space that respects human rights for all. Feel invited to engage with the stories of inspiring human rights defenders and to reflect on your own role in the fight for human rights.
This gallery will be made available to the public online and in person at
Het Beihuis, Brusselse Poort shopping centre in Maastricht from 23 May – 18 July.
Local human rights defenders
Various human rights organizations and local human rights defenders in Maastricht working on different issues and challenges to ensure a more just and equal world.
Refugee Project Maastricht
Amnesty International Maastricht Students
Black Lives Matter Maastricht
Extinction Rebellion Maastricht
Feminists of Maastricht
COC Limburg
Maastricht Goes To Calais
UM Pride
Quiet Community Maastricht
The Masters®
“Those experiences are just invaluable; they changed me in one way or another. I must say, when I left Maastricht, I was just a different human rights lawyer. Those interactions were very important for me.”