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

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
Kiruba, fighting caste cruelties in India
Read Kiruba's story of challenging caste-based atrocities and discrimination in India.
Shelter City Nijmegen

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