US, Brazil to hold talks on racial, ethnic discrimination

The United States and Brazil are kicking-off talks aimed at eliminating racial and ethnic discrimination in both countries, the State Department announced early Thursday. The meeting, scheduled for July 18-19, in the South American capital of Brasilia, will include meetings between US and Brazilian officials and civil society leaders, panel discussions, and other meetings addressing issues related to promoting racial and ethnic equality. The primary goal of the meeting includes seeking greater opportunities for access to education and expanding academic opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and historically underserved populations; eliminating racial health disparities in the United States and Brazil; mitigating environmental impacts in rural and urban communities of African descent; addressing challenges in the criminal justice system; and guaranteeing equal access of economic opportunities ahead of the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic games et to take place in Brazil. The meeting will also focus on accomplishments since the sighing of the Joint Action Plan and will develop a plan of action for the next year, according to a statement by the State Department. US Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Roberta S. Jacobson will lead the US Government delegation. Officials from the Departments of Education, Commerce, Justice, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Health and Human Services, in addition to officials from US Embassy Brasilia, will also participate.