This scoping study, undertaken from October to December 2019, aims to inform priorities and actions of the German Red Cross (GRC) in relation to humanitarian assistance in the urban context.

In doing so, the scoping study took stock of existing literature, tools, methods, networks and initiatives (phase 1). Building on this mapping exercise, interviews with humanitarian agencies working in urban areas (predominantly representatives from the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement) were undertaken to gain an understanding of existing needs and gaps that obstruct the effectiveness and efficiency of humanitarian agencies working in urban areas (phase 2).

The overall scoping study was guided by the following questions:

What is already available to support humanitarian organisations working in urban areas and what is their level of conceptual quality and practicality?

What do organisations still need / what gaps remain / what are the barriers to work efficiently and effectively in urban areas?

What tools and approaches could be starting points for efficient and effective humanitarian approach in urban areas? Have they been assessed for their usefulness, applicability, strengths and weaknesses