After detailing the U.S. effort to destroy ISIS, he noted that was “only the first step” for the Christian and Yazidi minorities who suffered through a lengthy genocide that spanned across northern Iraq. And, he said the administration would not repeat past mistakes when it came to the delivery of the aid necessary to help them rebuild:

‘The last administration devoted well over a billion dollars in humanitarian aid to the Middle East, but routed the lion’s share through programs run by the United Nations [which] has too often failed to help the most vulnerable communities, especially religious minorities. The result has been that countless people continue to suffer and struggle needlessly.”

The vice president said going forward, the U.S. will provide support directly to persecuted communities through USAID, working “hand-in-hand” with faith-based groups and private organizations:

“We stand with those who suffer for their faith because that’s what Americans have always done, because the common bond of our humanity demands a strong response. And so as a nation, we pledge to support them in these trying times, and every day—every day—I know the American people offer forth a chorus of prayers for these communities from our hearts to the heart of heaven.”

The vice president is being sent to the Middle East in December, and he said that while he is there, the plight of ethnic and religious minorities will be a centerpiece of his message. His trip takes him to Israel during Hanukkah and includes a visit to Egypt.

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