Last July, President Lula enacted Law number 12.288, establishing the
"Statute of Racial Equality". This landmark decision had the aim of
reinforcing the obligation of the State and society to guarantee equal
opportunities to Brazil’s African descendent population.
The Statute encompasses a broad range of measures, including affirmative
actions, for both public and private sectors in areas such as health,
education, culture, religion, Quilombola communities, sports, leisure, access
to land, capacity building, cybercrimes and housing.
The Statute also establishes the National System of Racial Equality
Promotion (SINAPIR). Besides the fact that the Statute is legally enforceable
before domestic courts, it establishes Permanent Racial Equality
Ombudsman Offices countrywide in order to give further implementation to
the Statute.
To conclude, as President Lula said during the Statute's enactment
ceremony, and I quote: "the Statute reinforces what was already established
in the Constitution - to turn Brazil into a truly democratic Republic, where all,
without any distinction, are treated in equal conditions".
Thank you Madam Chair.