UNHCR restores full cash assistance for 23,000 refugees

AMMAN — The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Jordan announced on Sunday the restoration of the original value of cash assistance for basic needs, following a slight improvement in funding levels.

In a statement cited by Al Mamlaka TV, the UNHCR said that some 23,000 of the most vulnerable refugee families living outside camps will see their cash assistance restored to its pre-reduction level, which had been cut by 25 per cent.

The adjustment will apply to non-camp-based refugees receiving assistance until the end of 2024, the statement read, noting that the increased payments will start in August and will cover the shortfall from July.

Stressing that it is continuing to seek funding, UNHCR warned of an expected decline in donor funding in 2025 and noted that the organisation currently cannot guarantee the level or status of assistance for 2025.

There has been no change to the cash assistance provided to refugees in camps, UNHCR said.

From August, beneficiaries of current cash assistance will receive the full amount without the 25 per cent reduction. This will include a retroactive adjustment for July, ensuring that in August, beneficiaries will receive the original value of the assistance, together with the additional amount for July.

UNHCR noted that due to insufficient donor funding to maintain the value of the assistance and support as many vulnerable refugee families as possible, it cut the value of the cash assistance by 25 per cent for May and June 2024.