Brazilian and U.S. officials have agreed to hold regular discussions regarding the repatriation of Brazilian nationals from the United States. This decision follows concerns raised by some Latin American leaders about the treatment of their citizens on deportation flights. Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the discussions will be led by officials from the ministry and the U.S. embassy. The initiative comes after the ministry summoned a U.S. official earlier this week to address the perceived mistreatment of recent deportees, condemned by local authorities as degrading.
The Ministry highlighted that a new working group will facilitate information exchange to ensure the "safety and dignified, respectful treatment" of Brazilians during deportation flights. Additionally, both parties have agreed to establish a direct line of communication to monitor flights in real-time.
This move towards enhanced dialogue on the sensitive issue stems from recent tensions between Colombia and the United States, which narrowly avoided a trade conflict sparked by disagreements over deportation protocols.
Brazil's Justice Minister, Ricardo Lewandowski, revealed that President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva instructed Foreign Affairs Minister Mauro Vieira to pursue a new agreement with the United States regarding deportations. Lewandowski emphasized the President's goal of guaranteeing that Brazilian deportees are repatriated with "a minimum of dignity" and that their basic rights are respected.