Latin America
UN International Mission Accuses Maduro’s Government of Crimes Against Humanity before, during, and after Venezuela’s 2024 Election
The 158-page report done by the UN’s Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela revealed a pattern of coordinated human rights violations committed by Venezuelan security forces, government officials, and colectivos - armed, parapolice-like civilian groups loyal to Maduro.
Proposed Brazilian Constitutional Amendment Has the Potential to Violate Indigenous Property Rights
On Wednesday, hundreds of Indigenous people covered in body paint and holding animal images marched in Brazil's capital against the ‘Marco Temporal’ Doctrine.
Severe Drought Leads to Damming of the Indio River
The Panama Canal, a critical waterway for global trade, is experiencing a severe drought due to the El Nino phenomenon, costing Panama millions of dollars. This drought has led to a significant drop in water in the Gatun Lake; the water source that powers the canal lock system and a water source for residents in Panama City and Colon.
Mexico’s Former Public Security Chief Sentenced to 38 Years in US Prison
On Sunday, October 20th, Moldova held a referendum vote on joining the European Union (EU), alongside its planned presidential elections.
Blackout in Cuba Leaves 10 million Without Electricity
On the evening of Oct. 18, the island of Cuba experienced a blackout, leaving 10 million residents without power.
Nicaragua Severs Diplomatic Ties with Israel Following First Anniversary of Oct. 7 Attacks
On Oct. 11, the government of Nicaragua announced it would sever all diplomatic ties with Israel.
Mexico Swears in Its First Female President, Claudia Sheinbaum
The inauguration of North America’s first female head of state, Claudia Sheinbaum occurred this past Tuesday, Oct. 4 in Mexico City
Wildfires in the Amazon Threaten the Survival of Species and Human Lives
Wildfires in the Amazon are rapidly increasing as a result of climate change and illegal deforestation. Wildfire season in the Amazon used to span three months, from August to October; however, climate change, deforestation, and increased use of land for farming has dramatically increased the season to six months, leading to greater destruction of flora and fauna.
Gang Control in Haiti Rises as Other Countries Respond
Haiti is currently under a state of emergency as a result of its rampant gang violence—thousands are internally displaced, and millions are facing malnutrition. The violence is exacerbated by the damage of hurricanes and floods that have left millions without homes, causing a dramatic drop in GDP. Gang violence has seeped into all areas of the country, but most notably, the capital of Port-au-Prince. Despite its proximity to the United States, many Americans remain unaware of the humanitarian crisis in Haiti.
Violence Surges in Sinaloa as US Denies Any Responsibility
Over the weekend 10 more people were reported killed as a result of cartel violence in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. This brings the death toll to over 50, with another 50 missing in the capital city of Culiacan.
Bolivia Faces Rising Tensions: Rival Protests Erupt as Morales Leads March to Capital
Thousands of Bolivians gather on the streets in support of former President Evo Morales, partaking in a 118 mile “March to Save Bolivia” from the village of Caracollo to the political capital of La Paz.
Haiti’s Path Under its Transitional Council
On April 25, Haiti’s transitional council officially took over, signaling the formalization of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry’s resignation. The transitional government is set to govern until the next presidential election, expected by February 7, 2026.
The Dilemma of Oil Sanctions and Democratic Progress
The United States must consider its next steps, as the temporary license to ease restrictions on Venezuela’s oil sanction is set to expire on Thursday. The agreement's condition, which provides necessary breathing room for Venezuela's oil and gas sectors, would depend on President Nicolas Maduro making democratic progress by the upcoming election date of July 28.
Violence Against Political Candidates Threatens Mexican Democracy
In the lead-up to Mexico's largest election, a wave of violence against political candidates has cast a shadow over the country's democratic process. The targeting of candidates by organized crime groups seeking to influence the outcome of elections has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the safety of those participating in it.
Latin American countries torn over warfare in the Middle East
In an interview on Dec. 6th with the IR Insider, Jorge G. Castañeda, former Secretary of Foreign Affairs for Mexico and Professor of Latin American and Caribbean Studies at New York University, shared his insights on the different positions of Latin American countries on the Israel-Hamas War.
Venezuela-Guyana Border Dispute Sparks Concern Across the Globe
The longstanding territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana has escalated in recent weeks, drawing international attention and raising concerns over the potential for a broader conflict. At the heart of the matter is the oil-rich Esequibo region, spanning over 160,000 square kilometers, where significant oil and gas reserves have been discovered.
Arrest of Opposition Member in Venezuela Underscores Challenges to Freedom of Expression
On Nov. 22, Nelson Piñero, a prominent Venezuelan activist and a member of the opposition party Encuentro Ciudadano, was arrested within the confines of his own home. The charges levied against Piñero were centered around accusations of incitement of hatred.
Honduras Braces for Demographic Shift: Flacso Study Forecasts Generation Gap by 2035
Doctor Rolando Fonseca, director of the Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales Honduras (FLASCO) recently published a paper on immigration trends in Honduras that suggested that the country will not have enough young people to replace the older generations by 2035.
Panama Protests Intensify Over Controversial Mining Contract
Amidst the ongoing protests against a controversial mining contract gripping Panama, demonstrators oppose the deal and advocate for alternative development paths. They beg the government to prioritize more sustainable industries such as agriculture, fishing, and tourism, rather than investing in resource-intensive mining operations.
US State Department finds Russia Responsible for Disinformation Campaign in Latin America
On Nov. 7, a report from the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced the discovery of a significant Russian disinformation apparatus operating in Latin America. The disinformation campaign is allegedly being conducted by The Social Design Agency (SDA), an informational entity that the European Union called “a Russian IT company closely linked to Russian political power.”