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Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff welcomed refugees fleeing conflict in the Middle East and Africa with “open arms” on Monday, during a speech marking the Independence Day of Brazil.
"I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate the position of our government in receiving individuals who have been expelled from their respective countries,” the Brazilian head of state expressed in a Monday televised recording.
Brazil is a nation comprised of migrants who have arrived at different times throughout the country’s history, in search of better opportunities, President Rousseff added.
Since 2013, Brazil has resettled more Syrian refugees than any other country in the region, opening its doors to over 1,740 Syrian refugees.
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Additionally, the Brazilian government approved a new program, known as Conare, which simplifies the process of obtaining legal status for Syrian refugees.
Colombians and Syrians are still the largest contingents of refugees, followed by Angolans and nationals of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
However, the volume of Syrian refugee applicants has increased steadily since Brazil decided to expedite their entry by granting them a 90-day tourist visa while their applications are processed.
Rousseff's comments coincide with separate remarks issued by the Brazilian President on Friday in which she criticized European nations for creating "barriers" to the entry of migrants, saying the Syrian child found on a beach in Turkey had died because he was "not welcome."
Brazil is home to 15 million people of Arabic descent, including 3 million of Syrian heritage.
Meanwhile, President Rousseff participated in the official ceremonies on Monday celebrating Brazil's 193 years of independence. In Brazil's two largest cities, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, military parades and events were held marking Brazilian independence from the Portuguese.
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