PBI Netherlands is the implementing partner of the Shelter City Programme, founded by Justice and Peace in 2012. Shelter City is a global movement that offers safe and inspiring spaces to human rights defenders at risk where they can re-energize, receive tailormade support and engage with allies in order to reinforce their local actions for change.
Within this project, this October PBI has welcomed to Utrecht two new guests, Badee and Olha.
Badee Dwaik (52) is a human rights defender and journalist from Hebron, who has worked for over twenty years on peace-spreading projects in the West Bank. He is a leading member of several NGOs promoting self-determination and peaceful resistance among the Palestinian people, especially women and the youth. He is the founder of the “Human Rights Defenders in Palestine” organization, which works on documenting human rights violations perpetrated against the Palestinian people in the context of the Israeli occupation, as well as providing legal and material support to those directly affected.
As part of the Shelter City programme, Badee wishes to work on his wellbeing and get some well-deserved rest, but he also seeks to continue his work in an environment in which he doesn’t have to fear constant threats and repercussions.
In particular, he wishes to hold speeches in public settings to spread awareness regarding the situation in Palestine. In this way, he hopes to connect with other activists but also engage with politicians at the municipal, national and even European level. By presenting his testimony and his work for peaceful resistance, he strives to promote institutional discussion surrounding the Palestinian cause, and possibly more concrete action.
Olha (23) is a Ukrainian human rights defender based in Odesa. She is currently working for an NGO and media outlet specializing in anti-corruption. Her primary projects revolve around distributing materials like videos or explainer posts on social media to raise awareness about citizen participation in the fight against corruption in southern Ukraine.
Her goal and of the organization are to explain to residents of small towns, as well as local law enforcement officials, activists, representatives of small and medium-sized businesses, local authorities and journalists, how corruption directly affects their lives. It aims to show that corruption is not a distant problem but is close at hand and harms everyone.
During her stay in Utrecht, Olha aims to allow space for rest and recovery by attending museums with her museum card, travelling within the Netherlands, and taking advantage of the beautiful scenery found in Utrecht. While in Utrecht, she plans to strengthen her network by connecting with other human rights defenders working on justice, accountability, and human rights in the region. As well as strengthening her communication skills for social media and taking English classes.
Do you want to keep up with their activism and journey here in the Netherlands? Then be sure not to miss any updates on our website and social media!