Solutions from the Start

A “solutions from the start” approach prioritizes inclusion of refugees into national systems and services from the onset of an influx, to avoid the set-up of parallel humanitarian systems. Rooted in the spirit and ideas of the Global Compact of Refugees (GCR), the approach supports a whole-of-Government response, builds on existing coordination and governance structures, and aims to facilitate partnerships with humanitarian, development, and peace actors. It focuses on laying the foundations for solutions via:

• Pursuing an integrated  human settlement approach and investing in critical infrastructure and environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient housing solutions. The settlement planning is in line with national, subnational, and local development plans and policies, and ensures the participation and protection of displaced and host populations.
• Facilitating access to documentation to support access to services and financial inclusion, as well as to support access to family reunification and complementary pathways for admission to third countries.
• Supporting refugee inclusion in national systems (health, education, justice, water, sanitation, solid waste and sewerage management, hygiene, renewable energy, connectivity etc.), with investments in infrastructure, deployment of additional staff, provision of supplies and equipment etc.
• Enabling the self-reliance of refugees and hosts and peaceful co-existence through early investments in livelihoods, energy, environment and climate action.

• Using socio-economic and spatial analysis to inform the design of settlements and prioritizing the collection of data relevant for inclusion and solutions, from the onset of refugee arrivals.

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