On May 23, 2023, the governments of Brazil and the United States held the first meeting of the Joint Action Plan to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Discrimination and Promote Equality (JAPER) since 2013 at Palácio Itamaraty in Brasília. The meeting is a fulfillment of the pledge Presidents Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Joseph R. Biden made during their February 10 meeting in Washington, D.C., to reinvigorate JAPER as a core element of U.S.-Brazil relations.
JAPER highlights the importance both countries place on advancing racial equity, promoting human rights and social inclusion, and eliminating all forms of discrimination. Social and economic development, the fight against hunger, and the creation of opportunities that benefit members of marginalized racial and ethnic communities, including African descendants and Indigenous communities, are important pillars in strengthening democracy and democratic institutions.
The bilateral discussions were opened in the presence of the Brazilian Minister of Racial Equality Anielle Franco, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Maria Laura da Rocha (in the capacity as acting Minister of Foreign Affairs), the Minister for Women, Cida Gonçalves and the Deputy Minister for Human Rights and Citizenship, Rita de Oliveira; and the United States Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols, Special Representative for Racial Equity and Justice Desirée Cormier Smith, and U.S. Ambassador to Brazil Elizabeth Frawley Bagley.
The two governments committed to work together through JAPER to engage marginalized racial and ethnic communities in both countries, including people of African descent and Indigenous communities.
The discussion shaped a joint workplan and focused on four bilateral priorities of: 1) increasing access to education, 2) providing greater access to health care, 3) addressing violence and promoting justice, and 4) nurturing culture and preserving memory.
Both sides also agreed to explore the role of civil society in JAPER.
Education
Regarding the Japer educational exchange, which facilitates study opportunities for Brazilians in the United States and vice versa, Desirée Cormier, the United States Special Representative for Equity and Racial Justice, highlighted that 465 Brazilians have already benefited from this program. She emphasized the importance of building upon this success and ensuring inclusivity. Furthermore, Cormier expressed “the commitment to working together to expand educational opportunities and access for individuals of African descent and indigenous populations in both Brazil and the United States.”
Racial violence
In addition to education, culture, and healthcare, Brazil and the United States have outlined joint efforts to combat violence against black individuals. During the meeting meeting, Minister Anielle Franco and American representative Desirée Cormier underscored the shared concern that young black males are disproportionately affected by violence in both countries.
The Brazilian minister emphasized that Japer will collaborate closely with the Brazilian Ministry of Justice and Public Safety to address violence against black individuals. The minister stated that the focus remains on combating and confronting the ongoing genocide of the black population, referencing notable examples such as George Floyd and Marielle Franco. Recognizing the importance of addressing this critical issue, the minister asserted that it is imperative for Japer to prioritize and actively engage with the issue of violence against black people.
Long-time partners
U.S. Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols highlighted the mutual benefits of exchanging experiences and emphasized the shared history and challenges between the two countries. He acknowledged the historical aspects such as slavery, marginalization of indigenous people, anti-Semitism, and discrimination, and recognized the progress made while acknowledging the ongoing work ahead. He expressed the opportunity for collaboration to find solutions that will benefit both populations.
As the two largest democracies in the Americas, Brazil and the United States commit to advancing racial equity through JAPER, and to ensuring this initiative is a centerpiece of the 2024 bicentennial celebration of U.S-Brazil diplomatic relations.
Source: https://br.usembassy.gov and Agência Brasil