Margaret Ariëns
Programme coordinator at Shelter City Tilburg
Our support
Rest and re-energize
Tilburg is a social city in the Brabant province, where there is always a place for creatives and people who think ‘out of the box’. Here, human rights defenders can find safety while enjoying the picturesque streets of the city and its surrounding nature. Shelter City Tilburg provides inspiring spaces for defenders to take a break and pay attention to their well being away from the risks.
Tailored support and capacity-building
Depending on their background, different local partners are involved to support the human rights defenders staying in Tilburg. This allows us to provide the best support tailored to each guest. Our ‘Friends of Shelter City Tilburg’ volunteers also take care of the social activities of the guests and accompany them throughout their stay.Â
Engage with local alliesÂ
At Shelter City Tilburg, human rights defenders can attend lectures at the university, join meetings with civil society and strengthen their capacities to continue advocating for human rights back home better equipped. Guests can also share their stories with the residents of the city. This way we hope to together contribute to global and local awareness on human rights.Â
Our team
Coordinating organization
Tilburg
Coordinates the stay of the guests, provides tailored support, and connects human rights defenders to local allies.
Partner organization
Tilburg
Provides university courses tailored to the wishes of the guests
Partner organization
Tilburg
Financially supports Shelter City Tilburg, supports relocation, and connects guests to local allies and organizations
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
News
April 10, 2025
The city of Amstelveen joins Shelter City to support human rights lawyers
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February 18, 2025
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On 26 September, 12 Shelter Cities from across the Netherlands gathered to exchange insights and strengthen collective efforts in supporting human rights defenders at risk.
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Luis, awarded The Albie for his journalism
On 26 September, Luis Carlos DÃaz, journalist and human rights defender from Venezuela was awarded The Albie: Justice for Journalists Award.
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Shelter City Netherlands: Call for applications
Justice & Peace Netherlands is launching a new call for applications for human rights defenders at risk to participate in Shelter City Netherlands. The deadline…
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Shelter City Pays-Bas: Appel à candidatures
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Celebrating 5 years of Shelter City Rotterdam
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Events
6 Jul 2024
Shelter City Nijmegen: Walk in solidarity with human rights defenders
Support Shelter City Nijmegen and participate in the 5th edition of the Solidarity Walk at Land van Ooij.
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15 May 2024
Human Library: Sharing International Stories
Shelter City The Hague invites you to listen to the stories of four LGBTIQ+ rights defenders in honour of Pride The Hague.
Events
26 May 2024
Impunity in Latin America: Film screening and discussion
Shelter City Utrecht invites you to a film screening and discussion about impunity in Latin America featuring the screening of the inspiring documentary “Chocolate de…
Events
May 6, 2024 - Jun 4, 2024
Photo Exhibition: Portraits of Courage
From May 6 to June 4 Shelter City Utrecht has organized an inspiring exhibition in the Utrecht Library. The exhibition highlights powerful stories of human…
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March 21, 2024
Andi recounts her experience in Shelter City and the importance of International Women’s Day
Andi, LGBTIQ+ rights defender from Malaysia, reflects on her time in Shelter City Netherlands and what is important to acknowledge on International Women's Day.
News
March 12, 2024
Shelter City Utrecht, believing that change is achievable
Set up nine years ago, Shelter City Utrecht has a long history of finding innovative ways of supporting guests. Read the article, written by the…
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February 6, 2024
Shelter City Netherlands: Call for Applications
Shelter City Netherlands: Call for Applications Justice & Peace Netherlands is launching a new call for applications for human rights defenders at risk to participate…
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February 6, 2024
Shelter City Pays-Bas: Appel à candidatures
Shelter City Pays-Bas Appel à candidatures Justice et Paix Pays-Bas (Justice & Peace Netherlands) lance un nouvel appel aux défenseurs des droits humains en danger…
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February 6, 2024
Shelter City PaÃses Bajos: Convocatoria de solicitudes
Shelter City PaÃses Bajos: Convocatoria de solicitudes Justicia y Paz PaÃses Bajos (Justice & Peace Netherlands) abre nuevamente las candidaturas al programa Shelter City PaÃses…
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January 31, 2024
Adil Meléndez, Sir Henry Brooke Award recipient
Adil Meléndez, a former Shelter City The Hague guest, was awarded the Sir Henry Brooke award in London by the Alliance for Lawyers at Risk.
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January 26, 2024
From Africa to Europe: Enhancing global collaborations to protect human rights defenders at risk
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