Brasília - Strengthening the family as a means to combat hunger and the sexual exploitation of children and adolescents is the chief purpose of two agreements signed today by the Minister of Social Development, Patrus Ananias, the special secretary of Human Rights, Nilmário Miranda, the director of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Richard Goughnour, and the American Ambassador to Brazil, John Danilovich.

"We are pleased to sign this agreement, because it can help improve families' self-respect and incorporate them in the battle against hunger and malnourishment," affirmed Minister Ananias.

The agreement stipulates that the USAID, which is linked to the American government, will make US$ 750 thousand available to establish community vegetable gardens and kitchens and community restaurants in cities in the Brazilian semi-arid region. Another US$ 900 thousand will go to projects developed by the Secretariat of Human Rights to combat the sexual exploitation of children.

"We have a constant partnership with the Secretariat of Human Rights, and these resources will serve for the construction of referral centers, technical training, and campaigns to mobilize society and the private sector," Ananias said.

Agência Brasil
Reporter: Marina Domingos
Translator: David Silberstein
11/09/2004