The U.S.-Brazil Joint Action Plan To Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Discrimination and Promote Equality (Joint Action Plan) was signed in March 2008. It is the first bilateral agreement targeting racism. This initiative leverages the interagency policy expertise in both countries, in a unique partnership with civil society and private sector committees, to address racial health disparities, environmental justice, access to education, equal access to economic opportunities, and equal access to the justice system.
The Joint Action Plan recognizes Brazil and the United States are multi-ethnic, multi-racial democracies whose ties of friendship are strengthened by shared experiences. Both countries celebrate the rich contributions of people of African descent and indigenous populations to the fabric of our societies. The Joint Action Plan’s unique structure and the goals of racial and ethnic equality and social inclusion sparked interest in other Western Hemisphere countries to pursue similar partnerships, and in January 2010, the United States signed a similar Action Plan with Colombia. The Joint Action Plan 2011 Steering Group meeting, with high-level representation from the U.S. and Brazil governments, was hosted in Washington, DC in December 2011.
As part of the Joint Action Plan structure, a Steering Committee made up of U.S. and Brazilian government and civil society representatives convene annually for technical and high level meetings in order to advance on the thematic priorities identified. More» Photo»
