Rotterdam

As a modern and vibrant international city, Rotterdam is a wonderful place for human right defenders from around the world to recover their energy. Since 2019, Shelter City Rotterdam provides a dynamic programme for human rights defenders at risk with the coordination of Humanitas and support from the Municipality of Rotterdam.

Our support

Rest and re-energize

In Rotterdam, every human rights defender can feel at home thanks to the multicultural character of the city. Its lively cultural life and diversity offer a lot of inspiration to defenders and opportunities to care for themselves. When in need of retreat, defenders can find a safe and comfortable space in our shelter house, and focus on their physical and mental health.

Tailored support and capacity-building

At Shelter City Rotterdam, human rights defenders receive support tailored to their individual needs, for example medical care, psychological support, security trainings and development of expertise. Our partners from Erasmus University also provide defenders access to university facilities and academic writing courses.

Engage with local allies

With a lot of cultural and intellectual events, Rotterdam provides diverse avenues for the human rights defenders to connect with local citizens, students and lecturers. Our team of buddies and volunteers are always there to accompany defenders, while together they explore activist spaces and take part in human rights discussions.

Our team

Regina Klein
Regina Klein

Shelter City Rotterdam project coordinator & mentor

Nikki Buijse
Nikki Buijse

Shelter City project member & buddy

Esther van der Sluijs
Esther van der Sluijs

Buddy/volunteer

Lucia Philips
Lucia Philips

Buddy/volunteer

Maria Schiller
Maria Schiller

Buddy/volunteer

Xuan Ha Doan
Xuan Ha Doan

Buddy/volunteer

Lydia Veldhof
Lydia Veldhof

Buddy/volunteer

Hinke Oosterhoff
Hinke Oosterhoff

Buddy/volunteer

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

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