Brazil Launches Initiative to Combat Racism and Discrimination
On September 25, 2025, the Government of Brazil introduced an ordinance aimed at eradicating racism and discrimination, particularly against indigenous and Afro-descendant populations, reports 24brussels.
The initiative establishes the fight against racism as a permanent state policy, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 18 (SDG 18) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda. Such measures were developed by the Ministries of Indigenous Peoples, Racial Equality, and the General Secretariat of the Presidency, with progress being monitored by the National Commission for the SDGs.
The ordinance outlines ten concrete targets focused on various societal areas, supported by social and economic indicators to track advancements in reducing inequalities. Among its objectives, SDG 18 addresses eliminating workplace racism, monitoring wage disparities, informality rates, and enhancing the participation of affected populations in leadership roles.
It also emphasizes security measures against violence, including homicides and hate crimes, mandating detailed data collection based on race and color. Furthermore, the plan seeks to close gaps in access to justice and enhance representation of indigenous and Afro-descendant individuals in public and corporate sectors.
A significant component of this initiative involves historical reparations for territorial, cultural, and environmental losses, reflecting long-standing demands from quilombola communities and indigenous groups. The government commits to improving access to adequate housing, clean water, sanitation, and healthcare that respects traditional knowledge and cultural practices.
In the education sector, the ordinance aims to establish an inclusive and anti-racist system that values Brazil’s linguistic and cultural diversity. It also prioritizes the recognition of traditional knowledge and the involvement of indigenous and Afro-descendant communities in biodiversity decision-making. Moreover, the action plan highlights the need to combat xenophobia and enhance protections for migrants identifying as indigenous or Afro-descendant amidst growing regional migration trends.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva recently underscored the persistence of a “racist imaginary” in Brazil during the fifth National Conference for the Promotion of Racial Equality in Brasilia. He noted that societal perceptions often confine Black individuals to servitude roles or view them as threats, perpetuating “everyday racism” despite progress in anti-discrimination efforts.
In November 2024, the Brazilian Federal Government announced its voluntary adoption of SDG 18 to address ethnic-racial equality, driven by the imperative to confront structural racism identified as a significant barrier to global development.
This initiative aims to foster inclusive sustainable development across all races and ethnicities, having been launched in Rio de Janeiro during a social program at the G20 summit.
