New executive board of COMDEDINE-RIO takes office with focus on guaranteeing the rights of the black population of Rio

The Municipal Council for the Defense of Black Rights (COMDEDINE-RIO) held the inauguration ceremony of its new executive board on Tuesday (1/4) at the Palácio da Cidade, with the presence of Rio's mayor, Eduardo Paes, and representatives of the black movement and authorities. The event was organized by the Special Secretariat for Human Rights and Racial Equality and marked the beginning of a new phase of the Council's work in favor of the black population of Rio.

– This institution, this space for debates, for representing civil society and the black movement, is suitable for certain discussions and pressures that may be established on the decision-making process. We need this space to be where debates can take place and where society can be convinced about certain measures. And we need to be able to effectively focus on what will make a difference and how we can confront the problem of racism. It is a joy for me to be here today. And I want to say, with great pride, that Rio created the network of anti-racist cities. I want COMDEDINE and the black movement to be certain that we are clear that this country will not move forward without resolving this issue and that it can make great progress starting in Rio – stated Eduardo Paes.

Created by Decree No. 6.684/1987 and regulated by Law No. 1.370/1988, COMDEDINE-RIO is an agency linked to the Special Secretariat for Human Rights and Racial Equality, working in conjunction with other departments to formulate policies to combat racial discrimination and promote affirmative action. The Council also serves as a bridge between the government and civil society, made up of entities committed to combating racial discrimination in the city. The new board that will take office has as its priorities the fight against racism and training in racial literacy (an educational process that helps identify and combat racism, how to behave, deal with situations and understand what people do in everyday life that seems harmless, but is racism).

Secretary Adilson Pires clarified that the Council's work reinforces the commitment to anti-racist policies and affirmative actions, seeking greater articulation with society and public authorities.

– COMDEDINE is the oldest council in the country. In a city like Rio, a black city with a history that is entirely linked to cultural and racial issues, COMDEDINE is essential to advise the mayor and the city government, to help the City Hall in the debate with civil society and to find the best way to continue our work for an anti-racist city. Today is a day of great joy with these new members who will greatly help in the advancement of anti-racist policies – said the secretary.

Throughout its history, COMDEDINE-RIO has implemented important initiatives: the Conselheiro Waldemar Bernardes Filho contest, a school research award that anticipated compliance with Law 9.394/96 (Law of Guidelines and Bases of Education); inclusion of awards such as a trip to Angola for students in the public school system; the publication of Resolution No. 624/96, which guaranteed the mandatory teaching of African and Afro-Brazilian culture in municipal schools; and the Conselheiro Ed Miranda Rosa Award, a trophy that recognizes black culture in Carnival.

Upon taking office, the new board will take office with a work plan focused on some proposals such as training in racial literacy for councilors, institutions and public security bodies; provision of legal and political advice for victims of racism and religious intolerance; and the creation of a public call on social media to expand the registration of entities on the Council.

– COMDEDINE is of unparalleled importance to the city of Rio. It is the oldest council not only in Rio, but in Brazil. It is a council that works in conjunction with the city’s departments. It seeks public policies and solutions for the black population in the city. We need to work in alignment with the departments of Culture, Education, and Health and seek improvements for the black population living in Rio – declared the elected president of COMDEDINE-RIO, Maria Lídia Moraes.

Category:

• Human Rights and Racial Equality
• News

April 1th 2025

Appointments: COMDEDINE-RIO Municipal Council for the Defense of Black Rights human rights executive board Racial equality possession