Cross-Sector Cash Assistance for Syrian Refugees and Host Communities in Lebanon: An IRC programme

Overview

Since January 2013, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been implementing a project providing humanitarian assistance to the Syrian refugees in Lebanon. This project provided unconditional financial assistance to targeted Syrian refugees and Lebanese host households to help them be better equipped for the past winter and to assist them to re-start or improve their income-earning activities. After a transfer modality assessment, IRC found it preferable to deliver the money through pre-paid ATM card, given that banks have a strong branch-office presence in the area of intervention.

The project also aimed to reduce risks of abuse and exploitation faced by women and girls. The project thus represents an innovative and relatively undocumented approach to CTP, namely a multi-sector approach utilising e-transfers in a refugee/complex emergency context, with gender- and protection-specific outcomes in mind.

This document captures the work conducted by the IRC in Lebanon and aims to provide a working example of a contemporary cross-sector cash programme. This case study illustrates the challenges encountered and successes achieved during the implementation of cross-sector CTP in Lebanon. It examines issues including tensions between host and refugee households, the use of ATMs, market analysis and monitoring and evaluation.