This paper provides guidance on how to apply the urban context analysis toolkit. The toolkit is a set of practical tools (such as questionnaires, analysis tables, and report templates) tailored for humanitarian organizations to conduct an analysis in urban responses by understanding the political, social, economic, service delivery and spatial dynamics. The toolkit was developed based on a series of pilots by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in five urban crises contexts with a focus on displacement crises.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza, including airstrikes and forced displacement orders, is severely affecting civilians and destroying infrastructure. Critical shortages of medical supplies, food, and clean water are worsening daily, while restrictions on aid deliveries are preventing essential items from reaching those in need.

Creating Opportunities through Mentoring, Parental Involvement and Safe Spaces (COMPASS) was implemented with refugees living in camps on the Sudan/Ethiopia border, conflict-affected communities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and displaced populations in north-west Pakistan.

As a way of tackling the ongoing displacement crisis and issues faced by these clients, the IRC is focusing on community engagement to help with the integration of resettled refugees into our local communities, through a new Co-Sponsorship Program.