Syria Humanitarian Fund: Critical cash distribution for over 49,000 Palestine refugees displaced in Syria

More than 49,000 Palestine refugees in 17 locations in south-west and central Syria are currently getting financial assistance from the Syria Humanitarian Fund through UNRWA.

To make that possible, 51 distribution points have been set up, and two commercial banks and a money transfer company have been partnered. The goal is to bring much needed humanitarian assistance to vulnerable groups, in particular, women, children and elderly people.

A 2017 vulnerability assessment by UNRWA, carried out in distribution centers found that 90 percent of Palestine refugee households was living in absolute poverty, with just 2 USD per person per day. However, after receiving the SHF financial support, the numbers fell from 90 percent to 74 percent.

SHF allocations aim to alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable groups in under-served and severely affected areas. And those who receive cash assistance can themselves decide how to spend the money. To many, that means simply making it through the winter, being able to afford sufficient fuel for heating and getting basic winter clothing, shoes and blankets.

The cash assistance through UNRWA is just one of the many Syria Humanitarian Fund projects. In 2018, the SHF allocated 37 million USD to 53 projects in Syria, through 24 partners, supported by 13 donors.

Original source: UNOCHA
Published on 16 July 2019