PARIS, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday promised to take "concrete actions" to protect minorities in Iraq and Syria where millions suffered religious prosecution after the Islamic State (S) took control of many zones in the region.

In a press release issued by his office, Macron "indicated his willingness to strengthen, through concrete actions and with our partners, our action in favor of the protection of minorities in Iraq and Syria."

He reiterated Paris "commitment to the fight against the impunity of crimes committed in Syria and Iraq, whoever they are," by further stepping up diplomatic, judicial and humanitarian efforts.

At a meeting with UN ambassador Nadia Murad here in Paris, the French president told the young Iraqi woman from Yezidi minority, he would take initiatives notably in mine clearance in the Sinjar region, to promote the safe return of the Yezidi people to their homes, the Elysee reported.