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

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

Jil Buchheim
Jil Buchheim

Intern

Our stories

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
Luis, building peace through the fight against impunity in Venezuela
In 2023, Luis wrote this article in commemoration of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.
Shelter City The Hague
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

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