The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Poland have formalized a partnership to enhance support for communities in the Middle East affected by genocide and persecution. The agreement was signed on November 26, 2018, by USAID Administrator Mark Green and Beata Kempa, Minister-Member of the Council of Ministers for Poland.
This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to expand USAID's partner base to assist religious and ethnic minorities who have been endangered, displaced, or persecuted. The focus is on helping these groups return home and rebuild their communities in regions like Northern Iraq and parts of Syria that have been liberated from the Islamic State.
The collaboration between USAID and Poland will involve sharing knowledge, experience, and resources to develop projects in various fields. These areas include private-sector growth, housing, service delivery, conflict mitigation, religious freedom, human rights, and pluralism.
Administrator Green emphasized the significance of this effort during the signing ceremony: “We are blessed to give to those who are besieged, especially those who are besieged for their faith.” USAID anticipates expanding its partnerships with additional public and private sector entities to further this initiative.