Posts tagged kenya
VNG: WORKING WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN MIGRATION CONTEXTS - A call for a localisation agenda in urban migration
VNG: WORKING WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN MIGRATION CONTEXTS - A call for a localisation agenda in urban migration

August 2025

Migration management cannot happen without local governments (LGs), given their proximity to migrants and their mandate to provide service delivery and safe environments to their constituents. LGs understand local socio-spatial dynamics and are best placed to identify needs and solutions, implement policies and coordinate service delivery. Yet, they are not fully integrated into international organisations’ development and migration responses.

So what would it take to bring LGs to the centre of this agenda?

This position paper is built on a research project that sheds light on the role of local governments in migration contexts, to inform local and international stakeholders of the migration, humanitarian and development sectors.

The research was conducted in Iraq, Kenya, Lebanon and Uganda as well as at global level. The research team reviewed 54 documents written by academics and practitioners, and collected primary data in the form of 35 key informant interviews (KIIs), one focus group discussion (FGD) gathering 15 participants, 4 country-level validation workshops with VNG International’s teams, a stakeholder workshop gathering 17 participants from civil society, academia and the humanitarian sector, and an online survey with 25 responses, providing anecdotal evidence referenced in the research. Together, these tools took stock of existing forms of engagement between LGs and other stakeholders to identify gaps and good practices.

Download report here.

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Samuel HallVNG, Local government, Migrants, migration systems, iraq, kenya, Lebanon, Uganda, Research
Islamic Relief: The Added Value of Faith Actors in Localisation: Opportunities and Barriers in Humanitarian Action
Islamic Relief: The Added Value of Faith Actors in Localisation: Opportunities and Barriers in Humanitarian Action

July 2024

Are faith actors the missing link in effective localisation efforts? 

The study commissioned by Islamic Relief Worldwide explores and analyses the unique contributions and challenges faced by faith actors (FAs) in humanitarian settings across Afghanistan, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Palestine, and Mozambique.

Our findings reveal that contrary to common misconceptions, most faith actors are non-missionary, and their values align closely with humanitarian principles. They play a crucial role in providing mental health and psychosocial support, particularly in crisis situations, where they foster community solidarity and resilience. However, despite their potential, faith actors often face significant barriers, such as limited funding, structural challenges, and cultural misunderstandings that prevent their full engagement.

What the Report offers?

  • Beyond data and analysis, the report:

  • Debunks pervasive myths about faith actors 

  • Highlights the common values shared between faith and secular actors, promoting a more unified approach to humanitarian action. 

  • Through case studies, stories, and voices from the field, it brings to life the impactful work of faith actors in diverse contexts. 

  • Moreover, it provides concrete recommendations for both local actors and humanitarian organisations on overcoming challenges and integrating faith actors into the localising agenda.

Read the executive summary here and the full report here.

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Samuel HallFaith Actors, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Ethiopia, kenya, Palestine, Mozambique, humanitarian actors, localisation