Colombia outlaws female genital mutilation (FGM), a practice prevalent in its Emberá Indigenous community, following a long campaign by activists like Carla Quiñonez, whose daughter was subjected to FGM at six months old.
A UN report released in Santiago urges Latin American and Caribbean nations to maintain strategic flexibility, diversifying trade toward China while keeping security ties with Washington.
SCMP highlights key Latin American news from July 2026, including Chile's engagement with China, Brazil's rise as the top buyer of Chinese cars, and US claims regarding China-linked spy sites in Cuba.
Imprisoned former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro welcomed dialogue for peace and reconciliation, ahead of a US-backed meeting between Venezuela's interim government and opposition leaders. Maduro, held in New York on drug and firearms charges, conveyed his message via Telegram.
Venezuela's imprisoned former leader Nicolas Maduro welcomed dialogue for peace and reconciliation, ahead of a US-backed meeting between the interim government and opposition. The Venezuelan foreign ministry announced a roadmap for talks on diplomatic normalization with the US.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva launched his re-election candidacy for October, emphasizing his health and stamina at a Worker's Party convention in Sao Paulo. He also vowed to boost Brazil's defense industry and protect its rare minerals from foreign interference, amid pressure from the US Trump administration.
Caldo, a traditional Latin American broth, holds deep cultural significance for first and second-generation immigrants, serving as an inexpensive, nourishing meal and a link to heritage, despite its paradoxical popularity during hot summer months, as shared through personal stories.
Brazil's 2026 World Cup exit sparked fan blame on players' evangelical beliefs, highlighting Latin America's broader religious shift towards Pentecostalism. The article explores the movement's growth, its appeal, historical roots in Brazil, and its competitive dynamics with professional soccer.
The £500m Elephant and Castle redevelopment in south London is opening, replacing a historic shopping centre with modern towers. However, many displaced Latin American businesses, like Diana Sach's restaurant, feel promises of affordable new premises have been broken, leading to closures and struggles amidst rising rents and corporate tenants.
The Trump administration is reviving the Monroe Doctrine, rebranding it the "Donroe Doctrine," to assert U.S. primacy in the Americas. Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby announced new initiatives including military strikes against drug boats and plans for joint counter-narcotics operations, framing it as a defense strategy against drug trafficking and illegal migration.
Stablecoin-settled perpetual contracts hit $1.1T in H1 2026. Adoption as stores of value and for cross-border payments, particularly in Latin America, is rapidly increasing, with transfer users doubling in the region.
Tether has invested $20 million in Mercado Bitcoin, a Brazilian crypto platform, to fuel its expansion across Latin America in tokenized assets, stablecoin payments, and lending. Mercado Bitcoin, with over 4.5 million users and numerous licenses, is building a comprehensive regulated onchain financial platform.
Deputy Head of the Military-Civil Administration of the Kharkov Region, Yevgeny Lisnyak, stated that Latin American mercenaries, particularly Colombians, are suffering the highest casualties in Ukraine. He cited language barriers and lack of comprehensive training as reasons for their deployment in intense frontline assaults, often acting as 'cannon fodder'.
Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, stated there will be no social unrest following twin earthquakes that killed over 3,300 people and left thousands missing. The disaster, one of Latin America's worst, caused widespread destruction, leaving over 17,000 homeless and an estimated $6.7 billion in damages.
Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, stated the country will not experience social unrest despite the devastating earthquakes that killed over 3,000 people and left thousands missing. She highlighted social solidarity amidst public anger over the government's response.
Brazil's President Lula secured a beef export deal with China, criticizing US tariffs. Chinese Venezuelans aided earthquake victims in Venezuela. The EU proposed a rare earths partnership to Brazil, aiming to reduce reliance on China.
Tens of thousands sought food and shelter in Venezuela after earthquakes killed nearly 2,000. A 3-year-old boy was rescued alive six days later. Food shortages are widespread, services broken down, and the economy faces a $6.7 billion hit.
Sony is closing its digital PlayStation stores on PS3 and PS Vita consoles. The shutdown will occur in phases, starting with select Latin American and Middle Eastern countries in August 2024, and globally in July 2027. Previously purchased content will remain downloadable.
The US military has deployed over 900 personnel within Venezuela and 800 more in Puerto Rico and Curacao to support earthquake relief operations. General Francis Donovan stated US forces are aiding search-and-rescue, airport operations, and intelligence gathering with drones, a significant shift from a recent raid targeting President Maduro.
The US military has deployed over 900 personnel in Venezuela and 800 in nearby hubs to support earthquake relief operations, utilizing assets like MQ-9 Reaper drones to aid Venezuelan authorities in assessing damage and ensuring open roadways. This marks a significant shift from recent US actions targeting Venezuelan leadership.
Keiko Fujimori has won Peru's presidential runoff by a slim margin against Roberto Sanchez, vowing to restore "order and hope." The victory marks a win for the Latin American right amid concerns over rising crime and political instability.
Keiko Fujimori, Peru's conservative president-elect, narrowly won the election, becoming the first woman popularly elected to the presidency. She vowed to restore "order and hope" to a country facing organized crime and political instability, marking her fourth attempt and her family's return to power.
Venezuela was struck by deadly back-to-back earthquakes, causing hundreds of deaths and injuries, and leaving tens of thousands missing, with rescuers actively searching. This event adds to a grim history of major seismic activity across South and Central America over the past century, including devastating quakes in Mexico, Ecuador, Chile, Peru, and other nations.
Twin 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, killing 164 and injuring nearly 1,000, exacerbating an existing humanitarian crisis. Numerous countries, including the US, Iran, and Cuba, have pledged international aid and rescue efforts.
