This report highlights UNHCR’s progress on expanding the systematic use of cash assistance in 2021 in line with the Policy on Cash-Based Interventions. The report provides an overview of the use of cash assistance in UNHCR country operations and the work to make UNHCR cash enabled at all levels of the organisation.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
• Meeting its Grand Bargain commitment, UNHCR delivered some USD 670 million to some 9.3 million people in 100 countries.
• UNHCR used cash in emergencies including in challenging contexts such as Afghanistan, DRC,
Yemen and Iran.
• 95% of the cash was unrestricted, providing the choice to the beneficiaries.
• UNHCR largest operations delivering cash assistance were: Jordan, Lebanon, Yemen, Greece, Iraq, Egypt, Mexico, Afghanistan, Burundi and Somalia.
• UNHCR responded rapidly and effectively to COVID, scaling up cash in 65 countries.
• In line with the Global Compact, 6 million persons of concern accessed digital payments with 25% in their own bank or mobile money accounts; a pathway to financial inclusion. UNHCR also launched new guidance Cash Assistance and Access to Financial Services.
• The UN Common Cash Statement resulted in common transfer mechanisms in +25 countries.
• UNHCR rolled out CashAssist – UNHCR’s Cash Management System to 31 countries.
• +60 countries conducted post-distribution monitoring using UNHCR’s corporate tool.
• UNHCR continued its focus on cash and protection and launched the Cash Assistance and Protection:
Why, What and How? consolidating practice and guidance across operations.
Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees