Deventer

The beautiful city of Deventer is known for its Hanseatic and internationally-oriented past, which are reflected in the mix of cultures of people who now call the city their home. Driven by its international composition, strong support for human rights, and local solidarity with human rights defenders, Deventer became a Shelter City in 2018 as a collaboration between the municipality of Deventer, Humanitas Residential Care Center Deventer and Saxion University of Applied Sciences.

Our support

Rest and re-enegize

We show respect for the individuality of each human rights defender, so they feel comfortable being themselves throughout their stay. In Deventer, defenders can focus on their well-being and care for their health while enjoying Deventer’s calm and natural surroundings. 

Tailored support and capacity-building

In Shelter City Deventer, human rights defenders receive support tailored to their individual needs, for example medical care and development of expertise. Guests also have the opportunity to strengthen their capacities through courses at the Saxion University, which can benefit their personal and professional development. 

Engage with local allies

In Shelter City Deventer, human rights defenders can choose to speak at various events and platforms about their work. These sessions enable defenders to raise awareness about the human rights situation in their country, connect with a wider audience, and reinforce support for their cause. Defenders can also meet with local organizations to expand their international network of supporters.

Our team

Nicoleta Mitut
Nicoleta Mitut

Manager International Affairs, Deventer Municipality

Johan Kuiper
Johan Kuiper

Shelter City Deventer Coordinator

Jan Henk van der Kolk
Jan Henk van der Kolk

Project Coordinator, Humanitas Residential Care Center Deventer

Jan Reinder Glaastra
Jan Reinder Glaastra

Advisor to the Board, Saxion University of Applied Sciences

Our stories

Nnedinma, regaining her mojo in Shelter City
Nnedinma tells us how her three-month stay in Tilburg with Shelter City enabled her to re-energize and regain her mojo to continue her work.
Shelter City Tilburg
Alice, on the frontlines of a high-risk profession
At the end of her three-month stay in the Netherlands, Alice wrote a story to share her experience as a journalist in the DRC.
Shelter City The Hague
Alice, en première ligne d’une profession à risque
A la fin de son séjour de trois mois aux Pays – Bas, Alice à écrit un article pour partager son expérience de journaliste en RDC.
Shelter City The Hague
Fabianna, reflecting on her connection with human rights defenders
Fabianna, a former intern at Justice & Peace Netherlands, reflects on her experience accompanying Shelter City guests participating in the initiative in the Netherlands.
Shelter City The Hague
Giving your all for the things you believe in
Wouter Ermens recounts his experience interning in the role of a programme coordinator of Shelter City Nijmegen and supporting a Shelter City guest.
Shelter City Nijmegen
Sheyla: “Freedom is my favourite word”
"I am Sheyla Urdaneta, I am a journalist, and a woman: a double risk in Venezuela, where liberty of expression and press are constricted."
Shelter City Haarlem
Sheyla: “Libertad es mi palabra favorita”
"Soy Sheyla Urdaneta, soy periodista y mujer: un doble riesgo en Venezuela, donde se viola la libertad de expresión y de prensa."
Shelter City Haarlem
Zabib, balancing motherhood and activism in South Sudan
"Being an activist shouldn’t stop women from having children, and having children shouldn’t stop women from their activist work. Let’s not give up."
Shelter City Rotterdam

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