adOct 14, 2026, 11:08

Jetten: Shelter City Nijmegen as an example for activists worldwide

Prime Minister Rob Jetten promoted the Shelter City program at a Human Rights Watch summit in Amsterdam, highlighting its role in providing safety for global activists like Kyrgyz feminist Guliaim. While advocating for international human rights, Jetten also acknowledged that the Netherlands must continue to address domestic issues like gender inequality and discrimination.

Prime Minister Rob Jetten recently highlighted the success of the Shelter City program in Nijmegen, which provides temporary respite for human rights activists facing persecution globally. Speaking at a Human Rights Watch summit in Amsterdam, Jetten noted that Nijmegen has hosted 22 activists over the past twelve years, including Kyrgyz feminist Guliaim, who used her time in the city to recover and develop new strategies for empowering women in her home country. The program now includes fifteen locations across the Netherlands.

Jetten emphasized the Dutch commitment to international human rights, citing financial contributions to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and support for the Human Rights Council. However, he acknowledged that the Netherlands still faces its own domestic challenges, such as gender pay gaps, declining acceptance of the LGBTIQ+ community, and the ongoing social impact of the historical legacy of slavery. He stressed the importance of addressing these issues alongside the country's efforts to support activists from around the world.

Politics Amsterdam Netherlands World

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Based on reporting by ad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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