Maastricht

Nestled between Germany and Belgium, Maastricht is truly a city without borders where everyone can feel at home. In 2015 Maastricht became an official Shelter City and has been a safe haven for human rights defenders at risk of persecution ever since. In 2015 Maastricht became an official Shelter City and has been a safe haven for human rights defenders at risk ever since. Shelter City Maastricht contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions) and believes that together we can solve global challenges.

Our support

Rest and re-energize

Maastricht is a welcoming safe space for human rights defenders to unwind for a few months. In Shelter City Maastricht, it is our mission to make the defenders feel at home and to support them in improving their personal wellbeing, while they are away from the risks of their work.

Tailored support and capacity-building

At Shelter City Maastricht, human rights defenders receive support tailored to their individual needs, for example medical care, psychological support, security trainings and development of expertise. Shelter City Maastricht also offers guests the opportunity to take courses at Maastricht University in order to expand their knowledge and strengthen their skills set.

Engage with local allies

In Shelter City Maastricht, defenders can connect with local citizens, students, and organizations to exchange knowledge and together promote human rights. Because of its location, Maastricht also offers easy access to EU institutions and international organizations in neighbouring countries, where defenders can meet even more allies.

Our team

Nathalie Ummels
Nathalie Ummels

Shelter City Maastricht Coordinator, Mondiaal Maastricht

Ann Damoiseaux-McBride
Ann Damoiseaux-McBride

Shelter City Maastricht Team Leader, Mondiaal Maastricht

Dave Sheehan
Dave Sheehan

Chairman, Amnesty International Maastricht

Fons Coomans
Fons Coomans

UNESCO Chair in Human Rights and Peace at the Faculty of Law, Maastricht University

Petro Hermans
Petro Hermans

Senior adviser on Administrative Affairs and External Relations, Municipality of Maastricht

Peter Hendriks
Peter Hendriks

Volunteer and former board member, Mondiaal Maastricht

Anton Ulaska
Anton Ulaska

Intern

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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