The Hague became the world’s first Shelter City in 2012. As a Shelter City, the city offers human rights defenders a safe haven when they are threatened or persecuted for their work. By extending its partnership with Justice & Peace for at least four years, the municipality of The Hague continues its commitment to human rights defenders worldwide.
Human rights defenders worldwide are under increasing pressure. They are threatened, intimidated, imprisoned, or forced to flee. This happens because they stand up for fundamental rights and freedoms. As Shelter City, The Hague offers human rights defenders from around the world a temporary safe haven to recover. In The Hague, they receive three months of rest, support, and space. Space to develop personally and professionally, so they can continue their important work. Justice & Peace is the founder and driving force behind the Shelter City program.
From The Hague to Montevideo
Since the launch of Shelter City The Hague, 82 human rights defenders have been sheltered and supported. Among them is Kenyan rapper and poet Willie Oeba, who is committed to fighting social injustice. His new album, inspired by his time in The Hague, will be released soon. Maksym, a union leader from Ukraine, also found temporary safety here, along with his wife and two children, away from the war. The Hague-based Justice & Peace initiative has now grown into an international network of 28 Shelter Cities worldwide: from Deventer to Kathmandu, and from Middelburg to Montevideo.
Alderwoman Mariëlle Vavier (International Affairs): ” People worldwide who stand up for fundamental human rights are being undermined and threatened. They often lose their freedom, safety, or even their homes. And despite all this, they continue their work. We help them by offering them protection, peace, and perspective. A respite so they can carry on. The fact that The Hague was the first Shelter City to take the lead in this in 2012 is something to be proud of. In this way, we demonstrate what it means to be the International City of Peace and Justice: not only by housing organizations, but by protecting people and standing firmly with those who work for peace and justice worldwide.”
Additional boost for the Shelter City network
The new agreement between the municipality of The Hague and Justice & Peace runs for four years, with a possible extension of up to six years. This agreement provides the international Shelter City network with an additional impetus to continue and grow. Thanks to the close collaboration between Justice & Peace, numerous local partners and municipalities, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, human rights defenders can be actively supported.
Maral Khajeh, Program Manager of the Shelter City Network: “In uncertain political times, The Hague is demonstrating that it takes the protection of human rights defenders seriously and, as a city of peace and justice, is once again a pioneer in the human rights landscape.”
About Justice & Peace
Justice & Peace is a human rights organization that has been committed to protecting human rights, social justice, and local solidarity since 1968. In 2026, the organization is committed to building and maintaining broad support for concrete human rights initiatives. Through the Samen Hier (Together Here) and Shelter City initiatives, everyone is invited to take action and build welcoming spaces through a group of friends or a community center.
Text & image: Gemeente Den Haag
Translation: The Hague Online