Accommodation
Living in a new setting, perhaps with students or other human rights defenders, can be one of the major benefits of a relocation programme. Informal learning from peers is often as important, if not more important, than formal teaching and training opportunities.
University accommodation
Some universities may be willing to provide accommodation on campus which is more convenient for participants, and saves time and often money too. Living with students or other defenders may also provide an important social aspect to the participants’ stay and be less isolating than housing in the community. However, university accommodation may not be suitable in all cases, for example if defenders are relocating with their families.
“The best accommodation is inside the university, in the graduates’ building. That saves you time and also makes you feel more integrated to the life-dynamics of the university and its activities.”
Local authority and private accommodation
In some cases, universities have secured long-term accommodation through agreements with their local authority or have long standing arrangements with private accommodation providers. For shorter stays, it may be possible to arrange hosting with local residents. Wherever human rights defenders are accommodated, the university should ideally take responsibility for ensuring it is of a good standard.
Finding private rental properties takes up staff time, and options can be limited as accommodation providers may be reluctant to agree to short-term lets. Some universities report that racism has hindered their efforts to find accommodation for those on their programmes. It is important to be familiar with any university health and safety requirements, and to plan for the time needed to secure electricity, gas, water, wifi, taxes, etc., and in some cases furniture and utensils.
Where programmes host a group of defenders, there are advantages and disadvantages to housing them together, whether privately or in university accommodation. Living together may create tension and disagreements, but it can also help establish bonds and camaraderie and be a great source of support for defenders.
“I think it’s a good thing to be in one flat with the co-fellows … we can share our stories, our experiences, and we can also ask some recommendations from them if we have some issue. So I think it’s really a good thing. ”