UNHCR, UNICEF launch Winter Assistance Program for refugees

CAIRO - 29 November 2017: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) launched the winter assistance program for 129,000 vulnerable refugees in Egypt from the end of November and throughout December 2017, of whom at least 12 percent are children under 18.

The unconditional cash assistance of a minimum of EGP 620 ($35) per person will be disbursed in late November to refugees assessed to be in need of winter assistance through post offices across the country, primarily in the three governorates of Greater Cairo, Alexandria and Damietta, as well as through ATM's.

The disbursement of unconditional cash grants is accompanied by an awareness raising campaign via social media, which provides practical advice on winterization measures to be taken at a household level.

Vulnerable refugees who are entitled to receive the grant have been identified by UNHCR or its partners through a social-economic vulnerability assessment and cover all nationalities of refugees in Egypt including Syrians, Sudanese, Somalis, Ethiopians, Eritreans, Iraqis and Yemenis.

“The winterization grant ensures that all vulnerable refugees can cover their immediate needs including having access to warm clothes and blankets, which will have a positive impact on their well-being,” said Karim Atassi, UNHCR Egypt Representative.

In 2016, 104,900 refugees benefited from the grant. On average, 73 percent of the funds were used in winter expenses, namely clothes, blankets and heating while 27 percent covered other pressing needs including rent, health and education.

“Infants and children are more susceptible to health problems and infections. UNICEF and UNHCR’s ongoing winterization efforts throughout Egypt are helping women and children to stay warm and protected,” said Bruno Maes, UNICEF Egypt Representative.

UNHCR closely monitors the collection rate of assistance through weekly reports provided by the post office, in addition to regular meetings that take place with partners, community members and refugees during the distribution period.