Groningen

The city of Groningen is a small but lively city in the north of the Netherlands. The creation of Shelter City Groningen began as an initiative by local political parties Student & Stad and D66 in 2015, who both believe in human rights and tolerance. Today, Shelter City Groningen is a collaboration of a broad spectrum of organizations and people, including the municipality of Groningen, University College Groningen, and others.

Our support

Rest and re-energize

Groningen provides human rights defenders at risk with a welcoming and safe environment where they can take time for themselves, rest and re-energise. Here, they can pay attention to their wellbeing, enjoy the city’s lively environment, 

Tailored support and capacity-building

In Shelter City Groningen, our guests are behind the steering wheel of their stay. We offer them tailored and flexible support to meet their needs and wishes, from physical and physiological care, to courses at the local universities, and recreational activities. Our team of energetic students ensures the guests have a fruitful stay tailored to their needs. 

Engage with local allies

We believe Shelter City is a two-way street. On the one side, human rights defenders can spread awareness about the situation in their country with audiences here in the Netherlands, and on the other side, students and local citizens can learn more about human rights situations around the world and support the work of human rights defenders.

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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