Rome

In 2023, Un Ponte Per and Municipio VIII di Roma came together to establish a temporary relocation programme in Rome with the aim of supporting human rights defenders at risk. This initiative provides human rights defenders with a space for rest and respite as well as a platform to enhance their work.

Shelter City Rome will focus on supporting human rights defenders at risk around the world, especially from the MENA region. Rome’s ancient history, cultural vibrancy, and rich civil society make it an inspiring space for human rights defenders.

Our support

Rest and re-energize

Shelter City Rome provides a space where human rights defenders can rest, feel safe, and re-energize. As the heart of the country, Rome boasts a blend of ancient landmarks and cultural experiences allowing human rights defenders to immerse themselves in an environment where they can reflect and focus on improving their wellbeing.

Tailormade support

Each human rights defender receives tailored support and guidance, which includes support for their wellbeing and opportunities to expand their network with national and international organizations or institutions in Rome, strengthen their capacity in topics like holistic security and refine their skills as a human rights defender through educational courses.

Engaging with local allies

We offer human rights defenders the chance to engage with individuals, such as civil society movements, educators, and organizations addressing human rights issues in the region. The opportunity to engage with a broader audience allows human rights defenders to raise awareness about the situation in their home country and expand their network of allies.

Contact us

Rome

Our Team

Lodovico Mariani
Lodovico Mariani

Coordinator of Shelter City Network in Italy

Lorenza Fiaschetti
Lorenza Fiaschetti

Shelter City Rome Officer

Our stories

Miluska, advocating for legal protections for the LGBTIQA+ community
Miluska, transwoman, lawyer, and LGBTIQA+ rights defender from Peru reflects on her journey and work as a human rights defender.
Shelter City The Hague
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
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

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay up to date with all news and events.