Georgia

Shelter City in Tbilisi, Georgia was founded in 2016 by the Center for Participation and Development in partnership with Truth Hounds with the aim of providing temporary relocation and rehabilitation to human rights defenders at risk. Since then, Shelter City in Georgia has expanded to include three Shelter Cities in Tbilisi, Batumi, and Telavi.

The three Georgian cities provide safe spaces to defenders from Central Asia, Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, and the Caucasus region. The country’s diverse culture, beautiful natural environment, vibrant civic society, and easily accessible travel conditions make Georgia an inspiring and safe space for human rights defenders.

Our support

Rest and re-energize

Shelter City in Georgia provides human rights defenders at risk with a safe and recreational environment where they can reconnect with themselves, rest, and re-energize for future challenges. Georgia’s hospitable and relaxed atmosphere, with colorful architecture, serene seaside, delicious cuisine, and flourishing nature is a perfect place for rehabilitation and regaining strength.

Tailored support and capacity-building

Our team creates a tailored support plan for each human rights defender on their arrival. During their stay, defenders receive physical and psychological care, security, and fundraising training, and can choose to take part in activities such as language and driving courses. We ensure that the defenders have all their needs met throughout their rehabilitation. We also provide family relocation when needed.

Shelter City in Georgia has also developed a security retreat workshop for organizations where human rights defenders can work with security trainers, art therapists, psychologists, and others within a short period to enhance their own security. The retreat also prescribes time for rest and respite.

Engage with local allies

Georgia’s vibrant and strong civil society and supportive governmental institutions provide an amazing opportunity for defenders to create new alliances and strengthen their network of solidarity. During their stay, we provide them with opportunities to meet with local organizations, visit governmental institutions, participate in different educational events and workshops, and share their work and experiences.

Our team

Sasha Delemenchuk
Sasha Delemenchuk

Founder, Director

Agit Mirzoev
Agit Mirzoev

Management Consultant

Giorgi Marjanishvili
Giorgi Marjanishvili

Administrator

Sali Mezurnishvili
Sali Mezurnishvili

Case-manager, Lawyer

Sopho Khutishvili
Sopho Khutishvili

Financial Manager

Anastasia Medko
Anastasia Medko

Art-therapist

Keti Mghebrishvili
Keti Mghebrishvili

Psychologist

Liudmila Batalina
Liudmila Batalina

Psychologist-supervisor

Tamar Kapanadze
Tamar Kapanadze

Communications Manager

Mikheil Lazginian
Mikheil Lazginian

Case-manager, Legal and Administrative Assistant

David Ghonghadze
David Ghonghadze

Case-manager, Psychotherapist

Chris Grzywatz
Chris Grzywatz

Senior Case-manager, English Teacher

Aleksandra Zuryan
Aleksandra Zuryan

Case-manager, Visual Content Creator

Lasha Dzigrashvili
Lasha Dzigrashvili

Case-manager, Doctor

Maia Kapanadze
Maia Kapanadze

Housekeeper

Our stories

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
Félix, shedding light on the harsh reality in Mexico, despite the dangers
Learn more about Félix, a Mexican photojournalist and a human rights defender.
Shelter City Amsterdam
Jhon León: defensores de los derechos humanos unidos por Shelter City para cambiar el mundo
Jhon es un defensor de derechos humanos colombiano. Aquí reflexiona sobre cómo Shelter City ha impactado, de manera positiva, su vida y trabajo.
Shelter City The Hague
Jhon León: Shelter City unites human rights defenders to change the world
John is a Colombian human rights defender. Here he reflects on how Shelter City has positively impacted his life and his work.
Shelter City The Hague
Raúl, creating safe spaces for the LGBTIQ+ community
Read about Mexican LGBTIQ+ defender Raul and his work to provide shelter to LGBTIQ+ persons.
Shelter City Utrecht
Wiecza, fighting for a better future for Venezuela
Learn more about Wiecza, a Venezuelan lawyer and human rights defender.
Shelter City Eindhoven
Numan, fighting for LGBTIQ+ rights in Malaysia
Learn more about Numan and his work to support the LGBTIQ+ community in Malaysia.
Shelter City Amsterdam
Manjula Pradeep, the inspiring activist behind Shelter City
Manjula Pradeep is an Indian human rights defenders and the inspiration behind Shelter City.
Shelter City Europe

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