Cash and beyond – Analysis of extra costs associated with disabilities and disability-specific social protection in Ukraine, in the aftermath of the Russian invasion

Following the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022 and the consequent humanitarian crisis, the country has experienced active fighting and massive displacement, both within and outside its borders. Persons with disabilities and older persons have been facing particularly harsh effects, especially for those with more severe forms of disabilities, who encountered challenges in leaving affected areas, and in ensuring access to services and goods. While humanitarian assistance, and specifically Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) has reached an unprecedented scale, and the social protection system has been able to continue working and to absorb the increasing demand, specific needs and costs remain for this group.

The study focused on two core research questions:

1. What are the barriers and the enablers to make CVA humanitarian assistance in Ukraine more inclusive of persons with disabilities and older persons?

2. Is the government’s Social Protection (SP) system in the position of continuing to support persons with disabilities, older persons, and their households?

Authors’ contacts:
Luca Sangalli, luca_sanga@hotmail.it
Alessia Volpe, volpea@tcd.ie

Humanity & Inclusion’s contacts:
Alexandre Goutchkoff, Global Cash & Economic Recovery Specialist, a.goutchkoff@hi.org
Madeline Sahagun, Global Food Security Specialist, m.sahagun@hi.org