Brazil and the United States (USA) resumed, this Wednesday (3), the bilateral cooperation agreement to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Discrimination and Promote Equality (JAPER), in both countries. The announcement was made by the Minister of Racial Equality, Anielle Franco, and by the United States representative at the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, at a press conference at Casa do Carnaval, in Salvador (BA). The city was chosen because it is the capital of the state with the largest black population in the country. “It has all representation. It is a state that deserves respect”, said the Brazilian minister. US Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield agreed. Group gathered at Casa do Carnaval, in Salvador, the city chosen for being the capital of the state with the largest black population in the country. Photo: Emanuel Bulos photography “We are here, in Salvador, the heart of black Brazil, because this city represents both the past of racism and the optimistic future we want”, declared the US representative to the UN, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. The first Japer work meeting is scheduled for May 23, in Brasilia, with the forecast of having the presence of the US Special Representative for Racial Equity and Justice, Desirée Cormier Smith. Japer The Japer joint action plan was signed by the US and Brazil for the first time in 2008, under the coordination of the then Secretariat for Policies for the Promotion of Racial Equality (Seppir) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the second government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Ignatius Lula da Silva. However, the actions were discontinued in 2011, according to the Ministry of Racial Equality. “What we have already done is very historic, an agreement that was signed in 2008, which is still in place, but which has a lot of potential to grow and to transform the lives of many black people”, said the Minister of Racial Equality. With the resumption of the Japer plan, the program provides for the articulation of affirmative action policies, in addition to exchanges and exchanges of experiences and good practices between the two countries, in various areas of knowledge such as education, health, memory and culture and the fight against violence lethal. “In relation to the genocide of the black population, we will have the [programa] Juventude Negra Viva, which will be our internship, will be our kickoff here, so that we can set goals, because this is one of the most difficult issues and involves the Ministry of Justice and Citizenship and the General Secretariat of the Presidency” , plans Anielle Franco. The Minister of Racial Equality highlighted the importance of returning to joint work, with the exchange of affirmative actions with the objective of strengthening the public policies of both nations. “We have very similar problems, from the genocide of the black population to cases of racism that are blatant and, evidently, happen almost daily in both countries. So, I think that Japer can strengthen beyond the partnership, also strengthen an understanding both here and there”. The plan provides support for Brazilian and North American black talent, connecting colleges and universities historically linked to the black cause in both countries. The program’s headquarters in Brazil and the United States have yet to be chosen. International cooperation The new Ministry of Racial Equality has been working on international articulation agendas to strengthen the fight against racism and racial equity in Brazil. In February, Minister Anielle Franco was on the Brazilian presidential delegation that visited the US to start the resumption of Japer. Last month, Anielle Franco traveled to Portugal and Spain, as part of the group that accompanied President Lula, and signed cooperation agreements with both countries and investments in public policies to combat racism and promote racial equality in Brazil.
Agência Brasil
Folha Nobre - Desde 2013 - ©