Donor Dialogue on Opportunities for Advancing Locally-led Action and Solutions in Displacement Settings

The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Denmark and the Global Refugee-Led Network (GRN) co-hosted a roundtable donor dialogue with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, refugee leaders, donors, a Grand Bargain Ambassador, UNHCR and INGOs on advancing locally led action and solutions in displacement contexts. The dialogue aimed to foster an increased understanding between donors, intermediaries and local actors on addressing barriers and exploring better ways of working together.

IFRC, Denmark and GRN led on the GRF 2019 multi-stakeholder pledge on localization which progressed into a new multi-stakeholder pledge in 2023, led by ICVA and UNHCR, now with 40 pledges of support. IFRC and Denmark co-convened the Grand Bargain Localization Workstream until 2023, and promoted action and support for all signatories to meet their localisation commitments, including in refugee responses.

At the donor dialogue, refugee leaders and National Societies provided insights from Asia Pacific, MENA, Rwanda and South Sudan on how inclusive decision making and multi-year funding are central to local actors. Donors and refugee leaders raised challenges they face such as legal, risk and procedural barriers. The discussion highlighted the need for different mindsets and more equal partnerships with innovative refugee and women led organisations, and longer term structural change to the aid model. Solidarity was expressed for donors and refugee led organisations to work together, building trust to scale up initiatives, while ensuring accountability of aid budgets.

The IFRC localization pledge aims to support locally-led humanitarian action, including the leadership of National Societies in assisting and protecting displaced people, as outlined in an IFRC policy briefing and IFRC Statement. Denmark is committed to local leadership and higher quality, flexible funding. GRN members are also championing a systemic power shift including transferring decision making and funding and other resources to refugee-led organizations and those most impacted by displacement.