What is it about
This International Rescue Committee (IRC) paper explores how humanitarian actors can strengthen urban public service delivery in contexts of displacement. With more than half of the world’s displaced people now living in cities, traditional “direct service delivery” models often strain existing infrastructure and may undermine local systems. The paper highlights the need to shift towards supporting and reinforcing municipal and community-based service providers to ensure sustainable, inclusive, and resilient responses. It outlines strategies such as building organisational capacity, improving financial and human resource management, enhancing procurement and information systems, fostering coordination with governments and CSOs, and promoting inclusive access to services for refugees and host communities alike.
When to use it
When designing humanitarian or development programs in urban contexts hosting displaced populations.
When strengthening local public service systems to cope with increased demand from refugees and IDPs.
When fostering collaboration between humanitarian actors, governments, and civil society in displacement-affected cities.
When promoting inclusive, sustainable service delivery that benefits both host and displaced communities.