E/CN.4/1999/15 page 31 B. Brazil 128. A Protocol of Cooperation has been concluded between the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Labour to promote racial and ethnic equality in employment. It reflects intensive studies made by and discussions within the Executive Working Group for the Elimination of Discrimination on Employment and Occupation and the Interministerial Working Group for the advancement of the Black community. The Protocol is motivated, inter alia, by the great percentage of Blacks in the Brazilian population, the commitments assumed by the Government in the framework of the International Labour Organization's Convention No. 111, the need to underscore the role of the Black population in building a democratic and responsible citizenship and the goal of fostering the importance of education as a way of consolidating the idea of equality. 129. The Brazilian Government remains concerned at the difficulties faced by Blacks with regard to existing economic opportunities in society, especially the question of income. The principal objective of the Protocol is thus to expand programmes designed to broaden the access of Blacks to professional qualification, income-oriented activities and market labour. The Protocol is aimed at establishing an adequate basis for guaranteeing equal opportunity and treatment, the appropriate way of recognizing the dignity, equality and full citizenship of the country's Black community. Among the actions foreseen by the Protocol, mention should be made of the exchange of information, documents and technical and institutional support; coordination in the planning, implementation, follow-up and evaluation of programmes and promotion of conceptual and methodological progress on race and colour issues, with a special focus on groups at risk or in a disadvantaged situation. 130. The National Secretary of Human Rights should act as an element for mobilization of the State and Municipal Councils on Human Rights and on Black Population Rights, with the objective of cooperating in the formulation and implementation of projects. The Secretary for Employment and Salary Policies of the Ministry of Labour will be responsible for conducting studies, implementing policies for vocational training and generating jobs and income from the colour/race perspective, with a view to raising the participation of Blacks to new levels at least proportional to their contribution within the economic active population. 131. The Special Rapporteur welcomes the measures taken, which are in keeping with his recommendations. He would like to receive information on the measures taken or envisaged on behalf of the Amerindians whom he met during his mission. C. United States of America 132. In June 1997, President Clinton launched his “President’s Initiative on Race: One America in the 21st Century”. In September 1998, the Government of the United States issued two reports, one by the President’s Advisory Board on Race, “One America in the 21st century: Forging a new future”, and the other by the President’s Council of Economic Advisors, “Changing America: indicators of social and economic well-being by race and Hispanic origin”.