Using hawala to conduct cash programming in Syria

Transferring cash to disaster affected communities has become an essential modality of assistance in humanitarian action inside Syria. This short paper shares some of CARE’s learning from using hawala to deliver cash based programming inside Syria. It touches upon issues such as due diligence, liquidity, communication and coordination of hawala networks.

The paper outlines four key recommendations for aid organisations and donors who are using or supporting the use of hawala, including:

  • coordinate the use of shared hawala networks through Cash Working Groups;
  • develop universal guidance on conducting due diligence on hawala;
  • openly share experiences to build a better understanding of hawala capacities;
  • continue the search for alternative or additional solutions to help introduce greater accountability and transparency to the hawala system.
  • Countries: Syrian Arab Republic
  • Published: January 2019

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