Brazil, Colombia sign cooperation agreement to combat discrimination
The Minister of Racial Equality of Brazil, Anielle Franco, and the Vice President of Colombia and Minister of Equality and Equity, Francia Márquez, signed on Tuesday (Jul. 25), in Bogota (Colombia), a memorandum of understanding to combat racism and promote racial equality in Latin America. The President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, attended the ceremony.
The memorandum enters into force immediately and remains valid for five years. It is part of the celebrations of the International Day of Black Latin American and Caribbean Women, commemorated on July 25.
This agreement aims to foster the exchange of experiences in combatting racism and advancing racial equality in the region. The cooperation will also encompass academic and scientific collaboration on these themes, along with policies targeted at traditional peoples.
Brazil and Colombia envision an agenda, encompassing dialogues and knowledge dissemination concerning the history of Afro-descendant populations in Latin America and the Caribbean. Emphasis will be placed on the historical and cultural ties, including those of traditional communities of African origin.
In addition to educational systems, affirmative action, and ethnic-racial diversity, bilateral exchanges will address challenges posed by new technologies and changes in international relations.
Seminars, training programs, and exchanges among researchers, students, teachers, and civil society representatives actively promoting educational, social, and cultural rights, fighting against discrimination, and promoting racial equity will also be part of the agreement.
The significance of this historical moment was underscored by Anielle Franco, who thanked Vice President Francia Márquez for joining in this endeavor. Franco highlighted the strength, rebellion, talent, and commitment that Márquez embodies. "Today, as ministers, we stand united, two black women, signing this momentous memorandum hand in hand, alongside a Brazilian delegation of black parliamentarians. This marks the dawn of a renewed democracy in our country—we shall not regress, nor take a step backward."
Franco further expressed solidarity with Vice President Márquez, who is well-known for her activism in advocating for black women and environmental causes. "Stay strong, for we stand beside you, united in Brazil, Colombia, and throughout the entire Latin American diaspora", said the Brazilian minister.
