97. While voluntary repatriation remains the preferred solution in the majority of refugee situations, it is also important to support countries who elect to resolve a refugee situation locally. Local integration is a sovereign decision and an option to be exercised by States guided by their treaty obligations and human rights principles.⁵⁰ A number of States have found it useful to move towards the local integration of refugees, including by providing durable legal status and naturalization, where appropriate, without prejudice to the specific situation of certain middle income and developing countries facing large-scale refugee situations.

98. Local integration is a dynamic and two-way process, which requires efforts by all parties, including a preparedness on the part of refugees to adapt to the host society, and a corresponding readiness on the part of host communities and public institutions to welcome refugees and to meet the needs of a diverse population. In low- and middle-income countries, additional financial and technical support from the international community is required to ensure successful local integration in a manner that takes into account the needs of both refugees and host communities.

99. In support of countries opting to provide local integration, the international community as a whole will, in close cooperation with national authorities of host countries, contribute resources and expertise to assist with the development of a strategic framework for local integration. The capacity of relevant State institutions, local communities and civil society will be strengthened to support the local integration process (e.g. to address documentation issues; facilitate language and vocational training, including for women and girls). Support will be provided for programmes fostering respect and good relations and to facilitate access to livelihood opportunities for integrating refugees, including through analysis of economies in refugee hosting areas, taking into account local labour market assessments and skills profiles, including of women and young adults. Investments in areas where refugees will settle, in support of national development plans and strategies and in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, will be actively promoted, and regional frameworks which may complement national laws in offering pathways to durable legal status or naturalization for refugees will be explored, where appropriate.