BRASILIA, June 17 (Xinhua) -- Brazil has launched a program to combat racism and promote racial equality in the country, the government gazette announced Tuesday.

Called "More Equality," the program aims to promote cooperation between the government and civil society to better protect the rights of people of African descent and members of indigenous communities and combat various forms of racism.

The program is structured around three main axes: Development, which includes the training and certification of public and community figures; Structuring, focused on equipping and strengthening agencies and centers dedicated to racial equality; and Strengthening, which offers direct support to state and municipal policies in this area.

Central to the initiative is the creation of the House of Racial Equality, which will serve as a support center for the program within the National System for the Promotion of Racial Equality.

The center will offer psychological, legal and social aid to victims of racism, promote coexistence, and raise awareness about Afro-Brazilian culture and history. ■