The Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC) region is particularly vulnerable to a range of disasters related to both sudden and recurrent climate shocks. Between 2000-2019, 1,200 disasters occurred which affected 152 million people, making it the second most disaster-prone region globally.
National governments throughout the region have long successfully used Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) as part of their Social Protection programs. However, there is limited documented learning around best practices on humanitarian CVA for preparedness within Social Protection programs in the region.
Cash & Voucher Assistance Within Social Protection Preparedness in Central America, Mexico, and The Dominican Republic
This report:
• Explores how humanitarian CVA adds value to and strengthens Social Protection programs while contributing to disaster preparedness in Mexico, Central America, and the Dominican Republic.
• Draws out real examples of best practice through two case studies from Honduras and the Dominican Republic.
• Maps humanitarian CVA and how it is linked to and used in Social Protection preparedness planning
• Diagnoses CVA and Social Protection gaps in LAC’s preparedness landscape, highlights barriers, enablers, challenges, and opportunities for linking humanitarian CVA to Social Protection through a preparedness lens.
• Offers actionable advice and examples to practitioners seeking to offer more efficient social assistance systems, and better preparedness for vulnerable communities.
Dominican Republic Case Study - Using Humanitarian Cash And Voucher Assistance Within Existing Social Protection Programs to Respond to The Covid-19 Pandemic
This case study details the collaboration between the Dominican Republic (DR)—a country with relatively limited use of humanitarian Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) for disaster preparedness in Social Protection (SP)—and actors such as the United Nations (UN) in a pilot program that integrated humanitarian CVA within its SP response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also demonstrates how governments can learn from challenges to deepen preparedness for future emergency assistance in the context of repeated climate and social shocks.
Honduras Case Study Bono Único - Deepening Preparedness In Social Protection Programs Using Cash and Voucher Assistance for Future Emergency Assistance
The following case study underscores how Honduras, a country with relatively limited Social Protection (SP) experience in emergencies, can enhance preparedness using humanitarian Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) through close collaboration with actors such as Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and the United Nations (UN). It also demonstrates how governments can learn how to overcome the challenges presented by the use of CVA to deepen preparedness for future emergency assistance in the context of repeated climate and social shocks.
Resources
Webinar: Humanitarian Cash & Social Protection: A Recipe for Preparedness?
This study is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of the Women’s Refugee Commission and CARE and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.