Cities and Towns

Abstract

There have been many developments since the 2010 issue of FMR on 'Adapting to urban displacement (http://www.fmreview.org/urban-displacement) ' was published. Increasing numbers of researchers are working in this field and growing numbers of agencies are adapting and developing their programmes in a world of increased urbanisation-including in the face of the projected impacts of climate change and associated rural-urban shifts. Ten years on, FMR will explore contemporary approaches and new technologies, plus the wide range of international frameworks, networks and initiatives in this area from which there is much to be learned. Cities and towns can be welcoming spaces of sanctuary, solidarity, integration and opportunity but many who are displaced from their homes by conflict, persecution and other drivers encounter a very different kind of space. Newcomers frequently struggle to access even basic services-shelter, food, water, health care and education-let alone employment, protection and other elements that contribute to a good quality of life. Challenges may emerge for local and regional authorities in meeting newcomers' basic needs and also in addressing, for example, new health issues and changing demographics. Tensions may also emerge between different authorities as to their respective roles and responsibilities. The arrival and integration (or lack thereof) of displaced people can trigger friction between host communities and newcomers, in light of real or perceived differences in access to services and assistance. And the cultures, livelihoods and livestock that displaced people bring with them can introduce additional complexities. When efforts to include and integrate newcomers are successful, however, communities can be strengthened and opportunities provided for all inhabitants. A sustainable, holistic approach will require the involvement of a wide range of stakeholders, including local, regional and national authorities, mayors, municipalities, community-based and neighbourhood associations, displaced people's representatives, civil society, the private sector, and the international humanitarian/development community. This issue of FMR will provide a forum for practitioners, advocates, policymakers and researchers-including urban planners and local and regional authorities-to share experience and good practice, debate perspectives and offer recommendations around these challenges and developments. In particular, the FMR Editors are looking for practice-oriented submissions, reflecting a diverse range of experience and opinions, which address questions such as the following: Analysing needs and challenges With increasing numbers of people being displaced to cities and towns, and with greater engagement of a wider range of actors, what do we now know about the scale and complexity of challenges relating to the needs of refugees, IDPs and stateless people in urban contexts? What are the universal challenges involved with displacement to urban contexts? What variables come into play in different contexts and locations? Is sufficient focus paid to smaller urban settlements? How do the challenges and opportunities vary from those experienced in cities? What are the environmental impacts on urban settings, how are cities and towns responding, and what good practice has emerged? What data exist and what are needed to ensure accurate assessment of needs and to support an informed approach? Can data assist in measuring integration? How do cities and towns cope with the loss and/or return of sections of their populations?