Celebrating 10 Years of Shelter City Maastricht

The Maastricht Centre for Human Rights was delighted to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Shelter City Maastricht, marking a decade of providing respite, safety, and renewed inspiration to human rights defenders from around the world.

Since 2015, Maastricht has served as a temporary safe haven for human rights defenders facing threats, pressure, or persecution in their home countries. The Shelter City network—an initiative of Justice & Peace Netherlands—has grown into a global community of more than twenty participating cities worldwide, including fourteen in the Netherlands. Together, these cities offer essential protection and space for reflection to those on the front lines of defending human rights.

Over the past decade, thanks to strong local collaboration between the Municipality of Maastricht, Maastricht University, Mondiaal Maastricht, and Amnesty Maastricht, almost twenty human rights defenders have been welcomed to the city. During their stay, they have had the opportunity to rest, rebuild, expand their networks, and continue their crucial work in safety.

The anniversary celebration was chaired by Prof. Fons Coomans, former director of the Maastricht Centre for Human Rights. Prof. Coomans has been closely involved with Shelter City Maastricht since its establishment and continues to play an active and inspiring role in its activities. 

The Maastricht Centre for Human Rights is proud to be part of this meaningful initiative and looks forward to continuing this important work in the years to come.