The United States has announced the establishment of a resettlement program for vulnerable Rohingya refugees in collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The programme, which will be part of the global U.S. Refugee Admissions Program is, according to a U.S. Department of State press release, one element of a broader comprehensive response to the Rohingya refugee crisis with the main focus on preparing the Rohingya for voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return.

The United States will consider for resettlement referrals submitted by the UNHCR.

According to the press release the United States is proud of its long-standing support for displaced Rohingya, who have suffered genocide and crimes against humanity at the hands of Burma’s military, and the U.S. has provided more than $1.9 billion in humanitarian assistance for Rohingya refugees from Burma in Bangladesh and the region, those affected by ongoing violence in Burma, and communities hosting refugees from Burma.

It also. says that in addition to supporting immediate basic needs, U.S. humanitarian assistance strengthens the resilience, economic security, and dignity of refugees and host communities by improving education and livelihood opportunities.

The United States is also supporting efforts to hold the perpetrators of the genocide and crimes against humanity against Rohingya accountable and to ensure justice for the victims of these atrocities.

According to the press release, the resettlement of the most vulnerable Rohingya from Bangladesh reflects the United States ’long-standing leadership on refugee resettlement in the face of an unprecedented displacement crisis as record numbers of people around the world have been forced to flee war, persecution, and instability.

The U.S. also thanked the Government of Bangladesh for being a generous host of refugees and for its support of this important resettlement initiative.