The transformative power of municipalities

Cities worldwide are often the first point of refuge for people fleeing conflict and persecution, with around 70 per cent of refugees living in urban areas. Researchers, policymakers and international development agencies all highlight the crucial role of cities and municipalities in formulating sustainable responses to refugee inclusion, which is also emphasized in the Global Compact on Refugees. And many local governments are stepping up welcoming forcibly displaced people with innovative solutions to foster inclusion and resilience.

The experiences of Manaus, Brazil, and Montevideo, Uruguay, reflect a broader movement recognized at the fifth World Forum on Cities and Territories of Peace held in Montevideo in May 2025. The World Forum, co-organized by the Municipality of Montevideo and United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), brought together representatives from over 24 countries to share best practices and discuss the challenges of urban integration in the face of unplanned population growth and limited resources.

In the heart of the Amazon, Manaus is setting a powerful example with its Shelter Autonomy Strategy. Implemented by the Municipal Secretariat for Women, Social Assistance, and Citizenship (SEMASC), Caritas Archdiocesan of Manaus, and UNHCR, this programme is transforming the lives of refugees and migrants by supporting their transition from temporary shelters to permanent homes. The initiative provides financial assistance, job placement services, access to primary and specialized health care, labour training and language courses for women, helping families achieve self-sufficiency and building bridges with local businesses to create sustainable employment opportunities.

The Municipality of Montevideo, host of the event, also provided a concrete example of inclusive support. Through its Secretariat for Ethnic-Racial Equity and Migrant Populations, in partnership with the Casa de la Mujer de La Unión organization and UNHCR, forcibly displaced and stateless people are receiving job training for integration. Skills training is aligned with local labour market demands, improving long-term employability. Approximately 60% of programme graduates have secured jobs or entered recruitment processes related to their training, enhancing their economic autonomy and inclusion in the formal labour market.

During the World Forum, UNHCR highlighted the indispensable role of cities in welcoming and protecting those forced to flee. Juan Ignacio Mondelli, Head of the UNHCR Office in Uruguay, underscored the leadership of local governments in delivering protection, services, and inclusion.

Collaborative efforts by cities like Montevideo and Manaus, where initiatives focus on labour inclusion and vocational training with official certifications for refugees, are part of a growing global movement for socio-economic empowerment. More than 100 cities joined the Call to Local Action for Migrants and Refugees at the Global Refugee Forum 2023, committing to expand healthcare, improve livelihoods, promote social inclusion, and enhance urban infrastructure for the benefit of both forcibly displaced people and host communities.

UNHCR's Cities of Solidarity initiative, currently connecting associations of 84 cities, provinces and municipalities in 11 countries across Latin and Central America, further strengthens these efforts by fostering cooperation and exchanging best practices. Such initiatives benefit refugees, asylum seekers, stateless people and migrants and enrich local communities, promoting peaceful coexistence and social cohesion.

The Montevideo Declaration, adopted at the World Forum, commits cities to developing inclusive policies for integrating refugees and migrants, while also advancing the inclusion of women and other marginalized groups. Municipalities hold transformative power: by championing inclusive policies and equitable practices, they not only deliver essential services and drive economic growth, but also lay the foundation for a more just, resilient and inclusive world for all.