MAINSTREAMING MIGRATION AND DISPLACEMENT IN URBAN PLANNING AND PUBLIC SPACE DEVELOPMENT

UN-Habitat and its partners have been working in global displacement and migration contexts, for several decades, applying urban planning, spatial design, and sustainable development perspectives to address the challenges faced by vulnerable migrant and displaced communities. As migration and displacement continue to shape urban landscapes, there is a growing need for well-coordinated, innovative, and complementary urban planning strategies. The publication begins with a background chapter (Chapter 1) that discusses trends and challenges in migration and displacement, as well as relevant global policy frameworks. It portrays migration as a historical catalyst for urban growth and evolution, influenced by environmental, economic, social, and political factors. The chapter highlights the increasing trend of international migration and the shift of displaced populations from camps to urban areas, emphasising the challenges faced by migrants, refugees, and the cities responding to this rapid growth. It also examines the evolution of global policy frameworks, and stresses the need for coherent, sustainable strategies that bridge short-term emergency responses and long-term development initiatives. The main purpose of this publication (Chapter 2) is to examine UN-Habitat’s contributions to addressing these challenges, specifically in urban planning and public space development in urban areas experiencing protracted displacement. It presents best practices and recommendations based on experiences from UNHabitat headquarters, regional, and country offices. The approaches discussed have been developed through the Planning for Humanitarian-Development Practice and other projects under the organisation’s Sub-Programme on ‘Effective Urban Crisis Prevention and Response,’ of its 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, as well as practices from across the UN System. The publication is structured around five broad principles that apply across humanitarian-developmentpeace-building activities, bringing developmentoriented thinking to contexts impacted by protracted displacement. Each chapter focuses on one of these principles and includes supporting recommendations and case studies from UN-Habitat’s recent operational programming. Multi-Scalar Urban and Territorial Planning: Fostering cooperation between actors and engaging affected communities interconnected regions. (Chapter 3) across. Informed Decision-Making: Undertaking urban profiling and spatial analysis based on local data and knowledge to tailor interventions and address inequalities. (Chapter 4). Locally-Led and Responsive Policies and Governance: Empowering local authorities to manage urban migrants and displaced, promoting sustainability and social cohesion. (Chapter 5). Inclusive and Participatory Processes: Incorporating participatory planning and inclusive public spaces to promote social cohesion and meet diverse needs. (Chapter 6). Local Economic Development: Prioritising economic considerations and fostering collaboration between sectors to stimulate growth and enhance livelihoods. (Chapter 7) While each response must be tailored to the specific context, the recommendations provide guidance for urban practitioners, policy makers, and local authorities in guiding policy articulation and practical programming. The publication concludes (Chapter 8) with a reflection on the recommendations and builds on earlier UN-Habitat publications to establish future best practices and to advance evidence-based normalisation of such approaches. Readers are encouraged to consult other complementary UN-Habitat publications and the work developed by other UN partners and actors for further information on specific country programmes and related topics.

source :

https://unhabitat.org/sites/default/files/2024/06/240614_sida_mmduppsd_web.pdf