Formal and Informal Solidarity Infrastructures in Copenhagen and Accra

This chapter examines sanctuary or solidarity cities in the global context. We look at structural commonalities and differences in urban and municipal policies and practices for integrating refugees and undocumented migrants in Global North Copenhagen, Denmark, and Global South Accra, Ghana. The study identified both structural commonalities and differences between the policies and practices of Accra and Copenhagen solidarity cities. It highlights the critical roles of civil society organisations and city authorities in constructing and consolidating a solidarity/sanctuary city’s philosophy in GN Copenhagen and GS Accra. The chapter will present empirical findings as well as offer conceptual reflections on the interrelationships between municipal frameworks and the formal and informal roles of civil society actors in developing solidarity structures in practice.