Kathmandu

Nestled in a valley surrounded by the Himalayan foothills, Shelter City Kathmandu was founded by the Collective Campaign for Peace (COCAP) in 2021 and is the first Shelter City in the Asian continent. Shelter City Kathmandu supports human rights defenders from South Asia and beyond the region.

Since 2002, COCAP has been at the forefront of efforts to advance peace, human rights and civic engagement and actively involved in protecting human rights defenders from Nepal and the Asian continent.

Our support

Rest and re-energize

Kathmandu offers human rights defenders a safe space to rest, recover, and regain strength. Defenders are offered tailored respite programs which include cultural nights, yoga, meditation, hiking, and recreational activities, creating space for reflection and renewal. These initiatives ensure human rights defenders are able to improve and sustain their wellbeing.

Capacity building

Human rights defenders are offered essential support during their relocation, including legal aid, psychosocial care, and security training. Such training and support equip defenders with the enhanced skills, strategies, and resilience that they need to navigate threats effectively. This secure environment fosters recovery and preparation, enabling human rights defenders to return to their work with strengthened capacities.

Engage with local allies

Human rights defenders are connected with national and international networks, fostering collaboration, resource-sharing and solidarity; allowing human rights defenders to expand their own web of connections and persevere in challenging environments.

Contact us

Kathmandu

Our team

Saroj Nepal
Saroj Nepal

Executive Director of COCAP

Mahesh Bhatta
Mahesh Bhatta

Director

Our stories

Lou, documenting children’s rights in the Philippines
As a Shelter City Research Fellow at the Asser Institute, Lou, a human rights defender from the Philippines, investigated the accessibility of international justice mechanisms for child victims.
Shelter City The Hague
Guliaim, encouraging to find the activist within you
Guliaim, women's rights defender from Kyrgyzstan, shares her journey and hopes for Kyrgyz women and the future of her country.
Shelter City Nijmegen
Czarina, being an activist when they’ve labelled you a terrorist in the Philippines
Czarina, a human rights lawyer from the Philippines, shares how her activism has continued to motivate her despite the severe challenges she faces.
Shelter City Rotterdam
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
Kiruba, fighting caste cruelties in India
Read Kiruba's story of challenging caste-based atrocities and discrimination in India.
Shelter City Nijmegen
Numan, fighting for LGBTIQ+ rights in Malaysia
Learn more about Numan and his work to support the LGBTIQ+ community in Malaysia.
Shelter City Amsterdam
Louisa and Asha: defending human rights in Nigeria and India during the COVID-19 pandemic
Louisa and Asha are two human rights defenders and former Shelter City guests who shared with us how their work has changed during the pandemic.
Shelter City Rotterdam
Mohammed Azaiza shares his experience of being stuck in Gaza while dreaming of Amsterdam
Mohammed Azaiza is a human rights defender from Gaza who was unable to relocate to Shelter City.
Shelter City Amsterdam

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