Each year, the city offers a temporary, safe, and welcoming space to a human rights defender who faces risks in their home country due to their work. The program is coordinated by the Municipality of Middelburg and supported by a committed network of volunteers, residents, students, and local organizations. Since 2014, Middelburg has been part of the international Shelter City program, making it the second city in the world to join this initiative.

About the Shelter City guest
This year, Wangechi Grace Kahuria is staying in Middelburg as the Shelter City guest. She is the Executive Director of the Independent Medico Legal Unit (IMLU), an organization dedicated to human rights and justice in Kenya and surrounding countries. Wangechi Grace Kahuria has extensive experience in leading and developing programs focused on gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the prevention of gender-based violence. Her organization also works on preventing and combating extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture.

A key part of their work involves the forensic documentation of human rights violations, as well as providing medical and psychosocial rehabilitation to victims of torture. The organization also monitors government compliance with human rights obligations. IMLU is a member of both the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) and the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT). Recently, they have supported many young people who faced police violence during activism.

Open lecture at Middelburg old Town Hall
During the open lecture, organized by University College Roosevelt, Wangechi will speak about local human rights issues in Kenya and surrounding countries, as well as the challenges her organization faces. She will also reflect on her stay in Middelburg and her participation in the Shelter City program. In addition, her lecture will address how societies can build resilience against human rights violations, and what residents, organizations, and governments can do to protect human rights and support human rights defenders.

Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
Time: 16:00 to 18:00
Location: old Town Hall, Market Square, Middelburg

What is an open lecture?
An open lecture is a public, accessible talk open to everyone. Visitors have the opportunity to hear the personal story of a human rights defender, ask questions, and engage in conversation. The event is designed to share knowledge, raise awareness, and foster connection and dialogue.

About Shelter City and Middelburg’s role
Shelter City is an international network of cities that temporarily host human rights defenders, giving them the opportunity to rest, continue their work, and strengthen their (international) networks. In Middelburg, guests are actively supported by the local community and take part in public activities such as lectures and meetings with educational institutions and civil society organizations.

Invitation to residents and press
The lecture is open to residents, students, and anyone interested. Registration is possible via info@ucr.nl.