WUF12: Cities Learning Together: Creating the conditions for the successful integration of displaced people into their host community

Over the last two decades, it has increasingly become recognised that forced migrants and refugees tend to relocate to urban areas. People in developing countries forcefully displaced from their rural homes due to conflict or environmental reasons are heading to cities for better shelter and livelihood opportunities, and growing numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs)  are making similar journeys to cities. 

Major cities are not the only ones influenced by these migration patterns. There is evidence that secondary cities and regional urban areas are also hosting a growing proportion of refugees and displaced persons. 

Various effective practices at the municipal level exist across multiple domains, including local leadership, social integration, employment, labour market inclusion, education, and refugee involvement. Municipal and regional authorities are keenly interested in coordinating comprehensive strategies for addressing forced displacement, particularly when these efforts are synchronised with other levels and sectors of government. 

It is crucial to examine not only the city-level context, but also the interconnected relationships of cities within districts, regions, and ultimately nations. In each instance, the internal political dynamics significantly shape how municipalities react to displaced populations. 

Municipalities can enhance their effectiveness through several strategic approaches:

• Capacity building is crucial, involving the provision of training and resources to strengthen municipal authorities in efficient planning, management, and service delivery. 
• Collaboration and partnerships with other local, national, and regional authorities, international organisations, NGOs, and the private sector can offer both funding and expertise for municipal projects. 
• Local revenue generation is key, as strategies to create income through property taxes, fees, and other sources sustain municipal initiatives.
• Transparent governance practices are central to earning public trust and attracting investments. 
• Infrastructure development, including the establishment and maintenance of essential facilities, will enhance the overall quality of life. 
• Community participation in decision-making processes ensures that initiatives align with local needs. 
• Dialogue among diverse city stakeholders and relevant national actors to jointly devise contextually relevant approaches for improved local forced migration management promotes social cohesion and conflict prevention.

Objectives

The reality is that people avoid or leave IDP and refugee camps in favour of nearby cities. This places huge social, economic, and infrastructure pressure on the city, often leading to social conflict between host communities and the newly arrived migrants. Cities that are unprepared for this migration face multiple problems, including pressure on existing services and fragile social dynamics between host communities and migrants.

This session explores:

• How this reality can be better managed, resulting in a win-win situation for both the host community and the migrants.
• The type of institutional support and infrastructure investment cities need to effectively absorb migrants into the greater city social fabric and economy. 
• The importance of regional dialogue among cities facing similar challenges to explore learning and success stories.

Panelists 

Ms Victoria Anib, Head of Social Development, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)

Mr Vittorio Capici, International Aid and Development Officer for Migration and Forced Displacement, European Commission

Mr Hon. Shafi Ahmed Mealin, Mayor of Jijiga Municipality, Ethiopia

Ms Tsigereda Tafesse Mulugeta, In-country Coordinator, Cities Alliance Ethiopia

Mr Hon. Sanya Wilson, Mayor of Koboko Municipality, Uganda

Register on the WUF12 website.