Iraq Crisis - Emergency Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance - Cash Consortium for Iraq 2019

July 2019 – In 2019 there are an estimated 6.7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in Iraq 18 % of the total population. More than 1.6 million persons remain internally displaced despite the expulsion of Daesh from Iraqi territory in December 2017. Displaced people both in-camp and out-of-camp settings continue to depend on the provision of humanitarian assistance to meet their basic needs. With GAC’s support the Cash Consortium for Iraq (CCI) is providing emergency cash assistance to up to 2 000 of the most vulnerable conflict-affected households in Iraq. This emergency assistance helps families meet critical basic needs and reduce the use of negative coping strategies while providing dignified choices and supporting local markets. Project activities include: (1) providing multi-purpose cash assistance (MPCA) transfers to vulnerable households; (2) providing legal support to approximately 270 individuals to facilitate access to crucial civil documentation and promote linkages with government services; (3) developing and delivering financial literacy training for vulnerable women-headed households; and (4) establishing a mentorship programme to build capacity of two local organizations seeking to use or already using MPCA as an emergency response modality.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) improved ability of vulnerable households to meet basic needs such as food water and shelter; (2) improved access to basic social services such as health care and education; and (3) increased access to legal services and protection support. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crisis or that are facing acute food insecurity.