Brazil takes in threatened Iran families

Brazil has agreed to take in 30 families facing religious persecution in their native Iran.

National Justice Secretary Elizabeth Sussekind said that the resettlement was part of an agreement with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

The families belong to the Bahai faith, which is not accepted in Iran.

The UN will cover the costs of the refugees' relocation and their living expenses over the course of one year. Brazil will provide them education and housing and help them find work.

Story filed: 02:29 Wednesday 17th January 2001