The Hague

The Hague in the Netherlands is the birthplace and first city ever to participate in Shelter City. Shelter City The Hague was founded in 2012 by Justice & Peace with support of the municipality of The Hague, as a concrete and accessible way to support human rights defenders at risk. The Hague’s multicultural community and diverse network of organizations, policy makers, students and justice workers makes The Hague an inspiring space for human rights defenders.

Our support

Rest and re-energize

The Hague provides human rights defenders at risk with a quiet and safe environment where they can take time for themselves, rest and re-energize. Here, they can pay attention to their wellbeing, enjoy the city’s nature with walks or bike rides by the sea, dunes, and local forests, or try the world cuisines available in the city. 

Tailormade support

During their stay, defenders can access tailored support such as language courses, medical care, and recreational activities. They also receive security trainings to develop their skills and tactics so that they return to their country with enhanced strategies. Defenders can trust that our vibrant team in The Hague will ensure they receive the support they require. 

Since 2021, The Hague also provides two additional safe spaces to journalists at risk.

Engage with local allies

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

Donate

Yes, I would like to donate!

To Shelter City The Hague

Apply

Apply to our call for applications

To Shelter City Netherlands

Our team

Maral Khajeh
Maral Khajeh

Programme Coordinator

Oonagh Eastmond
Oonagh Eastmond

Programme Officer, Protection & Training

Daniel Shynn
Daniel Shynn

Programme Officer

Eli Berghuis
Eli Berghuis

Programme Officer

Marinah Rahmat
Marinah Rahmat

Programme and Communications Officer

Our stories

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
Iván, reflexionando sobre su trayectoria como defensor de los derechos humanos
Iván, antiguo diplomático y huésped de Shelter City Amsterdam, comparte su trayectoria personal como defensor de los derechos humanos.
Shelter City Amsterdam

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