Shelter City: The Hague remains a safe haven for human rights defenders

The Hague - Since 2012, The Hague has proudly served as the world’s first Shelter City, offering a safe home to human rights defenders threatened or persecuted for their courageous work. By extending its partnership with Justice & Peace, the city guarantees that this crucial support will continue for at least four more years.

Across the world, human rights defenders face mounting dangers—threats, intimidation, imprisonment, or forced exile—merely for standing up for fundamental rights and freedoms. As Shelter City, The Hague provides these determined individuals a temporary, secure place to rest, recover, and grow—both personally and professionally—so they can continue making a difference.

Since the launch of Shelter City The Hague, 82 human rights defenders have found protection and support here. Among them is Kenyan rapper and poet Willie Oeba, who campaigns against social injustice. His new album, inspired by his time in The Hague, will be released soon. Maksym, a trade union leader from Ukraine, also found temporary safety here with his wife and two children, away from the war.

About Justice & Peace

Justice & Peace, a Hague-based organisation dedicated to human rights, initiated the Shelter City programme to offer concrete, practical assistance to threatened activists around the globe. The initiative has grown into a vibrant international network of 28 Shelter Cities worldwide.

The new agreement between The Hague and Justice & Peace will run for four years, with the possibility of an extension to six years. This agreement provides the international Shelter City network with an extra boost to continue and further expand its work. Thanks to the close cooperation between Justice & Peace, numerous local partners and municipalities, and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, human rights defenders can receive active support.

Marielle Vavier, The Hague's Deputy Mayor for Poverty, Inclusion, Public Health and International Affairs: "It is our responsibility to stand with those who have lost their freedom, safety, or even their home because they defend the rights of others. We must offer them protection, peace of mind, and hope for the future. The fact that The Hague took the lead in 2012 as the very first Shelter City is something to be proud of. In doing so, we demonstrate what it truly means to be the International City of Peace and Justice—not only by hosting organisations, but by protecting people and standing firmly alongside everyone who fights for peace and justice around the world."