Press Release: Ambassador Haley on the Protection of Religious Minorities in Iraq

Ambassador Nikki Haley
U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations
U.S. Mission to the United Nations
New York City
January 5, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Today, the UN Development Program (UNDP) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) agreed to strengthen their partnership in an effort to address the unique needs of vulnerable religious minorities in Iraq, especially those who have been victims of atrocities committed by ISIS.

“The situation facing religious minority communities in Iraq has never been more dire. We’ve seen communities shattered, families torn apart, and listened to story after story of the unspeakable crimes ISIS has committed against these innocent victims. We thank Vice President Pence for taking the lead in lifting up these devastated communities, and will continue to work with him ensuring they get the support they need to rebuild their lives with dignity.”

Ambassador Haley met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in November to discuss the United States’ new policy to bolster support for persecuted religious minorities around the world and specifically asked for his help in assisting vulnerable groups in Iraq, such as Christians and Yezidis.

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