Middelburg

Nestled in the Zeeland region of the Netherlands, the beautiful and quaint city of Middelburg is the second city in the world to join Shelter City. Since 2014, Middelburg has offered a safe and warm space to human rights defenders at risk from around the world. It is coordinated by the municipality of Middelburg with the support of volunteers.

Our support

Rest and re-energize

The quiet and relaxing city of Middelburg provides human rights defenders at risk with a safe and welcoming environment where they can take time for themselves, rest and re-energize. Here, they can take their mind off of their work, while focusing on themselves.

Tailormade support

During their stay, defenders can access tailored support such as language courses, medical care, and recreational activities. They can also attend courses at the local Roosevelt College.

Engage with local allies

The welcoming community of people and students in Middelburg provides defenders with many opportunities to build and strengthen their solidarity networks. Shelter City Middelburg also organizes events and lectures with defenders, together with local organizations, the municipality, and educational institutions.

Our stories

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
Sylvain, advocating for disability rights in the DRC
Sylvain is a disability rights defender from the Democratic Republic of Congo who stayed in Shelter City Rotterdam. Faced with challenges due to the ongoing discrimination against persons with disabilities, he strives to strengthen their participation and inclusion in society.
Shelter City Rotterdam
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

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