2017年-世界发展银行全球_Cities_of_Refuge_in_the_Middle_East___Bringing_an_Urban_Lens_to_the_Forced_Displacement_Challenge_32页_2mb

Summary of Cities of Refuge in the Middle East: Bringing an Urban Lens to the Forced Displacement Challenge

Core Content

This policy note explores the growing role of cities in the context of forced displacement, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It emphasizes the need to shift from traditional humanitarian models to integrated, development-oriented approaches that consider the urban environment as a critical space for addressing displacement.

Main Viewpoints

• Cities are increasingly central to forced displacement:

  • Over 60% of forcibly displaced people globally now live in urban areas.
  • In the MENA region, 80-90% of displaced people reside in cities, significantly higher than the global average.
  • Displacement in cities is driven by perceived economic opportunities, security, and access to services.

• Displacement is not just a humanitarian issue:

  • A development approach is necessary to address the complex challenges of urban displacement.
  • Solutions must target host communities and integrate with existing governance structures and service delivery systems.

• Protracted displacement requires long-term strategies:

  • The duration of displacement is often measured in years, not months, which challenges the sustainability of short-term humanitarian aid.
  • Integrated approaches combining humanitarian and development strategies are more effective for long-term impact.

• Urban displacement has differential impacts:

  • Primary cities (e.g., capitals) and secondary border towns have varying levels of displacement.
  • Displaced populations tend to concentrate in informal settlements and low-income areas, increasing pressure on local services and infrastructure.

Key Information

MENA Region Overview

• Total displaced in 2016: 65.6 million people, with 25% living in MENA.
• Refugees from MENA: 6.1 million, primarily from Syria (5.5 million).
• Urban displacement trends:
  • In Jordan, 70% of the population lives in urban areas, with 80% of refugees in urban settings.
  • In Lebanon, 88% of the population is urban, and all refugees are in urban areas.
  • In Turkey, 91% of refugees are outside camps, with 92% in urban areas.
  • In Iraq, 100% of refugees are outside camps, and all are in urban areas.

Challenges Faced by the Displaced in Urban Areas

• Informal settlements and insecure land rights.
• Overcrowding, economic constraints, and increased risk of violence and exploitation.
• Barriers to employment and access to services due to lack of legal documents.
• Children and youth face disrupted education.
• Women and girls are disproportionately affected by gender-based violence and exploitation.

Positive Impacts of Displacement on Cities

• Economic contributions: Increased rental housing stock, local job creation, and market stimulation.
• Examples:
  • In Jordan, the influx of refugees has driven the expansion of rental markets and informal housing.
  • Cash-based assistance and rental support programs have stimulated local economies.

Recommendations

For International Agencies

• Integrate humanitarian and development approaches in cities from the beginning.
• Promote the inclusion of civil society in development responses.
• Work through national and local government systems to deliver aid.
• Mobilize concessional finance to support urban displacement responses.
• Improve evidence and data collection for better policy decision-making.

For Local Governments

• Scale up basic services and infrastructure using a development approach.
• Leverage service delivery mechanisms to build trust and social cohesion.
• Use support from national and international actors to address capacity and funding gaps.
• Enhance resilience to better prepare for and respond to displacement challenges.
• Promote local economic development and private sector participation.

For National Governments

• Adhere to international refugee and IDP policy standards.
• Implement coherent national policies on labor, land, education, and health.
• Focus on alternatives to camps as the main response strategy.
• Support social cohesion between displaced and host communities.
• Transition from humanitarian to development-focused policies.
• Mobilize financing to meet the needs of local governments.

Policy Implications

• Political sensitivity is crucial in displacement responses.
• Host communities are not passive recipients but active participants in the process.
• A development approach should address both the vulnerabilities of the displaced and the impacts on host communities.
• Urban displacement reshapes the political dialogue around migration and requires inclusive, long-term strategies.

Conclusion

The policy note underscores that cities are no longer just receiving areas for displaced populations but are integral to the broader development and humanitarian landscape. It calls for a shift in mindset and approach to ensure sustainable, inclusive, and integrated responses that support both displaced and host communities.