Regional Bureau for Europe | Localization Report | July 2025

UNHCR places strong emphasis on localization as a key element of its protection and solutions work throughout Europe, working to ensure that forcibly displaced and stateless individuals are genuinely involved in shaping the policies and actions that impact their lives.

Between 2024 - 2025, UNHCR’s efforts to localize responses expanded to over 20 countries, with support reaching hundreds of refugee-led and community-based groups. These efforts included tailored trainings, improved coordination structures and easier access to funding. These organizations led initiatives ranging from rights-based advocacy and psychosocial support to improving access to housing, education and employment—meeting critical needs in their communities with tailored, grassroots solutions. UNHCR also supported efforts to strengthen local governance by working with municipalities and civil society to build inclusive, community-informed systems.

UNHCR recognizes the leading role of government stakeholders in enabling sustainable localization and inclusive responses to forced displacement and statelessness and remains committed to advancing locally led protection systems that are inclusive, sustainable, and rooted in community needs. By partnering with municipalities, civil society and the private sector UNHCR continues to build stronger and locally rooted responses.