Gaza, 17 December 2021 (TDI): This week marked the first cash disbursal of the Child Sensitive Cash Assistance Program in the Gaza Strip. This humanitarian program helps nearly 4,300 girls and boys from 1,160 vulnerable households. In this sense, the population will benefit from four cycles of monthly cash payments.
With the collaboration of the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office to UNICEF in Palestine, first payments were made to households through PalPay cash-out points in the Gaza Strip. The program is also supported by the Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Social Development.
According to the organization, these payments are provided to enable children made vulnerable by the May escalation in hostilities. The initiative allows children to continue their development through school, and access to essential services.
Statements by UNICEF and Representatives of the United Kingdom
In a press statement, UNICEF State of Palestine Special Representative, Lucia Elmi, said:
“By assisting children with humanitarian needs to better access school and services, we are ensuring their development. This assistance will help children and their families overcome the shocks caused by the May 2021 escalation (…). We are doing this with the Ministry to buttress shock responsive social protection systems, providing a sustainable model for potential future shocks and ensuring the continuum between humanitarian and development efforts. Almost 90 percent of recipients withdrew their cash within the first 48 hours of availability”.
By his part, UK Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, James Cleverly, stated:
“The speed at which these households redeemed this assistance is a strong indication of the vulnerability of children and their families and the need for this type of programming in the Gaza Strip. The UK is proud to provide a further ₤2M to UNICEF to respond to ongoing humanitarian needs in Gaza. The program (…) will help the most vulnerable people in Gaza, especially children to continue their education, meet their basic needs, and hopefully to fulfill their potential.”
Therefore, both officials highlighted that child-focused cash assistance will help enable vulnerable children in the Gaza Strip to meet their basic needs. The Humanitarian program also promotes behavioral change on child rights and well-being. Household eligibility for this program is based on child vulnerability.
