Meet Siti Kasim, the first guest of Shelter City Amstelveen. Shelter City Amstelveen is a collaboration between Justice & Peace, Lawyers for Lawyers and the Municipality of Amstelveen, uniquely focused on hosting lawyers so they can continue their work safely and effectively upon their return. Siti is a human rights defender and lawyer from Malaysia, recognized for her work advocating for indigenous rights and the LGBTIQ+ community, as well as speaking out against rising religious extremism. In this short interview, she shares her experience with Shelter City and how it has impacted both her personal and professional life.
Programme highlights
When I was notified that I had been accepted to the new Shelter City Amstelveen, I did not know what to expect at first. I knew the programme offered strong support, but I didn’t yet have a clear picture of what it would look like in practice. During my initial interview, the team asked me about my goals and what I hoped to focus on. Through many conversations, Lawyers for Lawyers carefully tailored a programme around my needs and interests, guiding and supporting me throughout the entire experience.
One of the best parts of the programme was meeting other human rights defenders. The sessions organized by Justice & Peace, where we shared experiences and learned about the challenges others face in their work, were incredibly meaningful. I really enjoyed all the activities and the space they created for connection and learning.
Another invaluable part of my time in Amstelveen was having access to a therapist throughout my three-month stay. She helped me develop tools to manage stressful situations, which has been life-changing. I’m sure this support will continue to help me when I return to Malaysia.
I also greatly appreciated the activities organized by the Municipality of Amstelveen. Seeing how the city actively supports community-based initiatives—such as the Diversity Café, a monthly gathering for the LGBTIQ+ community—was incredibly inspiring. It demonstrated the powerful impact a municipality can have when it genuinely invests in its people.
The importance of a programme by lawyers, for lawyers
One of the most valuable aspects of Shelter City Amstelveen is that it is designed specifically for lawyers, by lawyers. This adds enormous value because there is a shared professional background and understanding that allows the programme to be tailored to our experiences and needs.
Through the programme, I was able to attend networking events within the Lawyers for Lawyers network, meet other legal professionals, and build connections that are crucial for sustaining human rights work. Many countries lack a strong bar association or a robust community of lawyers, so for human rights defenders like me, relying on the international legal community is essential to sustain and continue our work.
Connecting with fellow Shelter City guests
Spending time with other Shelter City guests has been one of the most important parts of my stay. Listening to people speak about their own countries and experiences made me more aware of how easily we form opinions about places we do not know well. Listening to people’s personal stories, grounded in their everyday realities, reminded me how important it is to pause, listen, and try to understand before creating an image of what is happening somewhere else. It completely shifted my perspective. I also built new friendships with fellow human rights defenders. We traveled together, shared stories, and made many memories. I truly hope we can keep these connections for life.
Impact on my work and personal growth
The programme supported me both personally and professionally. Knowing that I am now part of an international network of human rights defenders gives me strength a sense of reassurance. I know there are people and organizations who will stay attentive to my situation and who are prepared to speak out if something happens when I return to Malaysia. This sense of support and protection makes it easier to continue my work with more confidence and bravery.
My advice to future guests and activists
For future Shelter City guests, I would say: be courageous. This programme is not a holiday; it is an opportunity to learn how another country functions, to meet its people, and to connect with professionals who share your commitment to human rights. It is important that we take these lessons back home to improve our situation there.
And for activists who may never come to this programme: believe genuinely in what you are doing. Wherever you are, stay true to your cause. Your belief in justice and human dignity must remain at the center of everything you fight for.
