The Ford Foundation offices in Rio de Janeiro are closed until further notice in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
This is a dynamic and unprecedented situation. We remain focused and committed to protecting the health and safety of our staff, grantees, partners, and visitors, while we continue to support vital programs, organizations and communities working to address inequality around the globe.
Deep-rooted discrimination lies at the heart of inequalities in Brazil, limiting millions of peoples’ full inclusion in society and key institutions, including government. This is especially true for Afro-Brazilians and indigenous peoples, who make up a majority of Brazil’s population, yet face overwhelming disadvantages in every aspect of their lives.
Brazil’s traditional peoples live with extreme social exclusion and under the threat of violence, struggling to protect their territorial rights while land ownership remains largely in the hands of the rich and powerful. To realize a more equitable country, Brazil must acknowledge that profound, longstanding discrimination has allowed inequality to thrive—and then move boldly to confront it.
