(from New York) Two programs for the protection of religious freedom in the world were announced by the Vice President of the United States Mike Pence, in his opening remarks on the final day of the international meeting to promote religious freedom that is underway in Washington from 24 July. The “Ministerial To Advance Religious Freedom” is the first ever meeting organized by the US Department of State on the protection of the freedom to profess one’s faith. It brought together over 200 representatives of governments, religions, organizations actively engaged in the protection of religions, and representatives of persecuted religious minorities. The US Government, Mr Pence said, will allocate 110 million dollars to finance the “Genocide and Response Program” aimed at supporting the victims of religious persecution especially in the Middle East, where people, thanks to this aid, will be able to “rebuild their lives and replant their roots in their ancient homelands”. He then stated that as many as $17 million in aid will be given to Iraq, which has been the focus of meetings in recent days, with testimonies by members of the Yazidi community, bishops and pastors. The new “International Religious Freedom Fund”, instead, will promote events and initiatives aimed at fostering religious freedom. The Governments present were invited to become co-funders of the program so as to expand its scope and involve as many countries as possible. Given the success of the event, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the meeting would be organised again next year.