RESOURCES
Cash in Conflict
Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) has several significant benefits that are well known, including increasing people’s dignity, power, autonomy and choice in how they manage their survival and recovery. CVA can also offer greater operational flexibility and achieve wider social and economic multiplier effects beyond its specific purpose.
Cash is used by people to pay for goods and services all around the world. This fact does not change in situations of armed conflict, when having cash in their hands can be mean the difference between life and death.
The ICRC – who have 16,800 staff in over 80 countries, helping people affected by armed conflict and violence – is enthusiastic about the benefits of CVA and realistic about when it is best to use it. Our experience and evidence shows that cash is an essential tool in humanitarian action in armed conflict, and our own operational analysis confirms many of the positive findings from other policy and academic studies.
© Revol Didier / ICRC
This section of the Cash Hub aims to share the experience of the ICRC and of those Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies working in countries affected by conflict and other situations of violence.
Read the latest report below to find out more about the ICRC’s experience of using CVA in armed conflict
Key Resources
19 January 2026
Financial service provider data flow: briefing note
Type:
GuidanceOrganization:
ICRCThis briefing note outlines how CVA is transforming humanitarian aid by empowering affected people and supporting local economies. As Cash & Voucher Assistance (CVA) increasingly relies on Financial Service Providers…
19 January 2026
Guidance for working with external service providers
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GuidanceOrganization:
ICRCThis document produced by the ICRC provides guidance for protecting personal data when working with external financial service providers and will help delegations address the personal data protection issues that…
17 July 2025
Improving maternal care in Yemen: The impact of a life-saving voucher Initiative
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VideoOrganization:
Norwegian Red Cross, Yemen Red CrescentThis video explores the impact of a joint voucher program implemented by the Yemen Red Crescent and the Norwegian Red Cross in Lahj Governorate. Aimed at supporting pregnant women, the…
17 July 2025
Voices from Yemen: Mohammed Ghalib Hussein on receiving cash assistance
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VideoOrganization:
British Red Cross, Cash Hub, Yemen Red CrescentMohammed shares his personal journey living with diabetes in Yemen, highlighting the daily challenges he faces and the toll it takes on his health and family. Through cash assistance, he’s…
17 July 2025
Voices from Yemen: Finding dignity in crisis – Maha Ahmed’s story
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VideoOrganization:
Norwegian Red Cross, Yemen Red CrescentAs a mother caring for a disabled son, Maha faced immense challenges in meeting her family’s basic needs. With the help of cash assistance, she has been able to access…
17 July 2025
Voices from Yemen: How cash assistance empowered Abdel Fattah’s family
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VideoOrganization:
British Red Cross, ICRC, Yemen Red CrescentAbdel Fattah, a dedicated teacher in Yemen, shares his powerful story of caring for his elderly father who suffers from kidney failure. With limited resources and growing responsibilities, cash assistance…
17 July 2025
Voices from Yemen: From Conflict to Hope – How cash assistance helped Bashir rebuild
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VideoOrganization:
Norwegian Red Cross, Yemen Red CrescentBashir shares his powerful story of displacement, the struggle to find shelter, and living in fear amid ongoing conflict in Yemen. Faced with immense hardship, cash assistance became a crucial…
9 April 2025
Efficient And Secure: How the 121 Platform Revolutionizes Cash Assistance in Ethiopia
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Case studyOrganization:
510, Netherlands Red CrossThis case study explores how the 121 Platform, developed by 510, enabled multiple NGOs in Ethiopia to streamline multi-purpose cash assistance delivery. Integrated with Kobo Toolbox and local banking systems…
2 January 2025
Successful Microeconomic Initiatives stories in Libya
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ReportOrganization:
ICRCThis document showcases the Microeconomic Initiative (MEI) program by the ICRC in Libya, helping conflict-affected individuals rebuild livelihoods through financial aid and training. Stories of beneficiaries highlight restored businesses, job…
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