Case Study: UNHCR delivers cash assistance faster and more transparently with Stellar Aid Assist

How UNHCR Distributes Cash Assistance Through Stellar Aid Assist

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) faced the challenge of distributing cash assistance to a record number of forcibly displaced people. They needed a faster, more efficient method that gave recipients the freedom to choose how to use their aid, all while operating in contexts where traditional bank accounts are often inaccessible. To address this, UNHCR partnered with Stellar to pilot its Stellar Aid Assist solution.

Stellar implemented a blockchain-based disbursement platform using the USDC stablecoin on its network. This allowed UNHCR to instantly deliver cash assistance directly to recipients' digital wallets. Through Stellar's integration with on and off-ramps like MoneyGram, recipients without bank accounts could easily convert the digital funds to cash. The solution provided greater speed, transparency, and traceability for aid delivery, successfully piloted in Ukraine to help vulnerable people cover basic needs like food and shelter.

UNHCR

Denelle Dixon

CEO and Executive Director