The United States has launched a Genocide Recovery and Persecution Response Program, the country’s Vice President announced on Thursday.
Under the new program, which will begin in Iraq, the US State Department and USAID will partner with local faith and community leaders to rapidly deliver aid to persecuted communities, Vice President Mike Pence said.
Describing the atrocities against Yezidis by Islamic State as genocide, and also mentioning the persecution of other groups in Iraq including Christians and Muslims, the Vice President said that America would help victims “reclaim their lands, rebuild their lives, and replant their roots in their ancient homelands.”