The report argues that in cities where deprivation is widespread, humanitarian organizations’ effective engagement with municipal authorities and urban populations demands a shift in both approach and language. Rather than through overt appeals to domestic or international protection principles and laws, effective engagement with local authorities is most likely to come when humanitarians recognize local authorities’ interests and incentives and develop strategies to align protection concerns with local political economic factors.
Becoming Urban Humanitarians: Engaging Local Government to Protect Displaced People