With the support of ProtectDefenders.eu and Justice and Peace Netherlands, AHRN has launched in May 2017 its HAKI shelter project: a temporary relocation programme for at risk Human Rights Defenders from the great lakes region. The main objectives of this programme are to provide shelter to human rights defenders at risk; allow relocated HRDs to continue their work at distance while strengthening their skills and organising networking activities during their relocation; and repatriate them to their home country after the relocation period so that they can continue their human rights work in a safer and more efficient way.

The great lakes region is one of the regions where human rights defenders are working in very difficult conditions. The region has been subject to decades of armed conflict and human rights violations. Frequently, human rights defenders are targeted and face imminent danger, from legal prosecution to abductions or killings. It has been reported that women human rights defenders face specific risks such as gender based-violence including rape and other forms of sexual violence. The HAKI Shelter project allow these defenders to be temporarily away from a very stressful situation and thus provide them with a short period of rest. During their stay in Tanzania, human rights defenders will get medical and psychological assistance; languages’ courses as well as legal and human rights trainings. They will also attend networking events with local Tanzanian NGOs or/and international NGOs.