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The Impact of Multipurpose Cash Assistance on Yemen's Displaced Families

The ongoing conflict in Yemen has led to a significant increase in displacement, food insecurity, and poverty, leaving families in a continuous struggle for stability and sustenance. In Abyan governorate, Zinjibar district, internally displaced persons (IDPs) have sought refuge in Al Amoodiah community after fleeing 500 kilometers from Al Hudaydah to escape airstrikes and armed violence.Faced with the challenge of meeting their families' basic needs, these IDPs often resort to negative coping strategies such as accumulating debt, selling possessions, or reducing meals to prevent hunger and malnutrition.

Posted on 29 Jun 2024

To address this dire situation, the Cash Consortium of Yemen (CCY) hosted by the Danish Refugee Council is implementing life-saving humanitarian interventions across 13 Yemeni governorates, including Abyan in South Yemen which is covered by Solidarities International as CCY partner. Funded by the European Union (EU), the CCY program delivers multi-purpose cash assistance (MPCA) and resilience-building support linkages to vulnerable households in Yemen. The MPCA enables vulnerable households to address their most pressing needs with dignity by providing flexible aid.

Samya Abdullah, a member of a displaced household in Zinjibar district, Abyan governorate is one of the beneficiaries of the MPCA. Her household, like many others, has struggled with unemployment and financial strain because of the prolonged conflict.

“My husband’s health issues, and unemployment forced us into a cycle of debt,” explains Samya. “We could not afford treatment for our children or even the basic necessities.”

Samya’s household was identified and assessed for vulnerability by Solidarities International and found to be eligible for three-month installments of MPCA. After receiving the assistance, Samya’s household utilized the funds to settle debts, procure essential medical care, and stockpile food supplies. She remarked,

“This assistance has been a lifeline, especially as Ramadan approaches and Eid Al Fitr follows. Thanks to the donor (European Union) and SI, our children can experience the joy of the festive season.”

The impact of CCY's MPCA program is significant, with a notable decrease in debt accumulation among beneficiaries, from 97% to 77.2%. Samya's story exemplifies the resilience and resourcefulness of Yemen's population, who, amidst adversity, continue to persevere and thrive.