We are happy to announce that the City of Leipzig, together with the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Justice & Peace to establish Shelter City Leipzig and to launch a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the protection and support of journalists and media workers at risk in Europe.
For the past decade, ECPMF has hosted threatened media professionals through its Journalists-in-Residence Programme in Leipzig. We are pleased that these long-standing efforts to provide protection and support have now culminated in Leipzig becoming an official safe haven for journalists, media advocates, and human rights defenders under pressure. Shelter City is an international network that provides safe spaces, recovery, and opportunities for professional growth for at-risk journalists and other human rights defenders.
Under the new MoU, ECPMF will continue and expand its support activities and the Journalists-in-Residence Programme as the coordinating partner for Shelter City Leipzig, working in close collaboration with Justice & Peace, the Netherlands-based organisation that manages the international Shelter City network.
By joining the Shelter City network, the City of Leipzig and ECPMF reaffirm their commitment to providing safe spaces for journalists, media workers, and human rights defenders who face threats because of their professional activities and investigations. This step highlights Leipzig’s role as a city of solidarity, human rights, and freedom of expression, while also strengthening its collaboration with ECPMF.
“The European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) is a visible focal point for journalists from numerous countries across Europe. Its activities position the City of Leipzig and the Free State of Saxony as a cosmopolitan hub for the media and reinforce our self-image as the place of the Peaceful Revolution and democracy.” — Burkhard Jung, Mayor of the City of Leipzig
In addition to hosting journalists at risk, ECPMF, Justice & Peace, and other Shelter Cities will collaborate on advocacy initiatives that promote press freedom, human rights, and freedom of movement at both the local and EU level—ensuring that the voices of those under pressure continue to be heard.
About ECPMF
The European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) is based in Leipzig, Germany, and works to defend press freedom across Europe. Through monitoring, advocacy, and practical support, ECPMF protects journalists and media workers under threat.
About Justice & Peace Netherlands
Justice & Peace Netherlands is a human rights organisation that coordinates the international Shelter City network. Shelter Cities provide temporary safe havens for human rights defenders at risk, enabling them to rest, re-energise, and continue their work in safety.
About the City of Leipzig
Leipzig is known for its history of civic courage and democratic movements. Today, the city continues this tradition by promoting human rights, freedom of expression, and international solidarity.
