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Lebanon + 14 more

UNHCR MENA 2023 Regional Cash Assistance Update (January - December 2023)

Attachments

Key Highlights

2.8 million unique individuals reached with all modalities of cash assistance from January - December 2023. out of which:

75% (2.1 million unique individuals) reached with multi-purpose cash assistance from January - December 2023

$243 million distributed via all modes of cash assistance from January – December 2023, out of which 90% was unrestricted cash assistance, providing dignity of choice in meeting recipients’ needs, mitigating risks and advancing protection outcomes.

The lives of many Lebanese and refugee families have been impacted by the sharp depreciation of the local currency, price spikes, and high food inflation. Nine out of ten refugee households are struggling to afford essential goods and services that ensure basic living standards.

Sheikha – a Syrian widow and mother of three – particularly struggles because she cannot leave her children home alone and must balance keeping them safe with finding opportunities to earn an income. Adding to the challenges, Sheikha and her eldest son suffer from health conditions. While her children are at school, Sheikha tries to earn a living by offering cleaning and cooking services. However, she was not able to make ends meet and had to borrow money to survive, reduce health expenses, and make other difficult decisions to keep her children fed and safe.

In this context, UNHCR’s multi-purpose cash assistance is a lifeline for refugees in Lebanon, helping families meet their basic needs such as rent, food, and medicine and enabling them to contribute to the local economy by purchasing directly from local markets and shops. The monthly cash assistance also gives refugees the dignity of choice in meeting their needs.

“Without the assistance, my children’s safety and well-being would be at risk,” Sheikha said. She primarily spends the assistance she receives on rent and food essentials. One thing Sheikha keeps teaching her children is never to lose hope. She works hard to provide for her family and does everything she can to ensure they keep dreaming of a brighter future.