Attachments
Introduction
In 2023, UNHCR's cash-based interventions in Bulgaria evolved to address the persistent challenges faced by vulnerable households, particularly those with disabilities, serious medical conditions, single parents with dependents and older people without family support. Transitioning from one-off assistance to a multi-transfer approach, the program provided regular support over four months to meet basic needs consistently. With a focus on refining eligibility criteria and aligning transfer values with government assistance levels, UNHCR provided financial assistance to 6,950 individuals (2,894 households) under its program from July 2023 to January 2024.
In 2024, as part of the planning of the cash assistance program, UNHCR organised a series of focus group discussions (FGDs) with refugees to consult them on the eligibility criteria with a view better reaching out to the most vulnerable refugees within reduced resources. During the discussion, UNHCR in Bulgaria also aimed to assess the effectiveness of the existing cash assistance programs and to gather recommendations on improving access to the assistance and what additional non-cash assistance support is required by refugees. There were also discussions on coping mechanisms and the support systems available, such as the community, access to essential services and humanitarian support.
FGDs with refugees constitute an essential tool for shaping UNHCR and partners’ protection and inclusion programmes, including cash assistance. FGDs allow for a direct dialogue between protection actors, such as UNHCR, and refugees. By shedding light on the refugees' perspectives through FGDs, UNHCR promotes an environment of trust and accountability. With this engagement, UNHCR not only elevates the efficiency of its assistance but also ensures a greater resonance with refugees themselves. This analysis aims to harness the power of collaborative dialogue and pave the way for a more responsive, tailor-made, and efficient cash assistance for refugees in Bulgaria with a view of transition to inclusion in the national social protection system.