Justice and Peace Netherlands is launching a new call for applications for human rights defenders at risk to participate in Shelter City Netherlands. Shelter City Netherlands is an initiative for short and temporary relocation for three months financed by Justice and Peace Netherlands, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, host organisations and municipalities.
From March 2027 onwards, 14 cities in the Netherlands will receive human rights defenders for a period of three months. At the end of their stay in the Netherlands, participants are expected to return with new tools and energy to carry out their work at home. During their stay in the Netherlands, each human rights defender is independent and responsible for their own programme. In establishing this, human rights defenders will be supported by Justice and Peace and the hosting organisation in the city.
Asser Institute Fellowship: In the context of the Institute’s Visiting Researchers Programme, the Asser Institute hosts one Fellow per year within the framework of the Shelter City initiative by Justice and Peace. The fellowship will take place in September 2027. The selected Fellow will carry out a research project during the three-month period and take part in other relevant human rights (research) activities of the Asser Institute.
The term ‘human rights defender’ is intended to refer to the broad range of activists, journalists and independent media professionals, scholars, writers, artists, lawyers, civil and political rights defenders, civil society members, and others working to advance human rights and democracy around the world in a peaceful manner.
A monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance, visa and return flight tickets to the Netherlands are provided to human rights defenders selected for the initiative.
Arts workers at risk can also download On the Move’s Mobility Funding Guide for At-risk and Displaced Artists and Culture Professionals.
