Localization in migration governance – joint-pledge open for signatures

Local and national actors, including migrant- and host community-led organizations, those led by women, youth, persons with disabilities, informal actors and social movements, local community leaders, and traditional community governance institutions, are key service providers and often first responders in humanitarian contexts.

We recognize the important and complementary roles of the many local actors supporting migrants. Local and national actors play an essential role in providing protection and assistance to migrants and host communities. Their presence in communities before during and after crises and their understanding of local languages and culture are vital assets.

We recognize that local and national actors have a wide range of different experiences, expertise and capacities, as well as areas where capacities need strengthening, and are best placed to determine their own capacity strengthening needs.

We pledge to:

- Collaborate with local partners and to facilitate their inclusion and engagement in local and national initiatives, coordination mechanisms and policy foras supporting humanitarian needs and protection of migrants to promote whole-of-government, whole-of-society, and multi-stakeholder approaches.

- Transfer as high a proportion of funds as possible to local partners and encourage local ownership.

- Work together with local actors to identify needs and priorities for action.

- Ensure that all our public materials give due credit for the work local actors do, in accordance with their wishes

- Where support is requested, strengthen the organizational and technical capacities of local and national partners to work in an effective, principled and inclusive manner.