Education, Key to Foster Human Rights in the Paraguayan Armed Forces
The Human Rights Initiative (HRI) is a program U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) launched in 1997, which seeks to bring together representatives of the military and security forces of Central America, South America, and the Caribbean to institutionalize human rights (HR). The program, which will turn 25 years old in 2022, focuses on four areas: policy and doctrine, education and training, internal control systems, and cooperation with civilian authorities.
Moscow Uses Hacker Gangs to Carry Out Cyberattacks
Russia relies on hacker gangs to launch disruptive attacks against Western infrastructure, the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), an international investigative journalism organization specializing in organized crime, indicated on June 3.
More Human Rights Abuses in Venezuela, NGOs warn
According to recent reports from nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), human rights violations in Venezuela continued throughout 2021, resulting in a high number of victims, despite international scrutiny.
Cyberattacks Threaten Security in Ecuador
Ecuador joins Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru among the Latin American countries hardest hit by cybercrime, and more specifically malware attacks. According to the latest Global Cybersecurity Index of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a United Nations agency, Ecuador ranks 119th out of 182 countries for vulnerability to cyberattacks.
Argentine Navy Strengthens Fleet to Combat Illegal Fishing
The Argentine Navy took delivery of the last of four ocean patrol vessels recently acquired to control illegal fishing on June 2, 2022. The ARA Contraalmirante Cordero ship joins surveillance and control tasks in the South Atlantic, to deter Chinese fishing fleets that trespass Argentina’s maritime boundaries to exploit its fishery resources.
Brazilian Air Force Launches New Satellites to Monitor Environment and Illegal Activities
The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) launched two new satellites, Carcará I and Carcará II, from Finnish satellite tech firm ICEYE, which use radar technology for ground surveillance and terrain observation. Images captured will be used to support the fight against narcotrafficking and illegal mining, as well as to determine river navigability, and monitor border control operations, wildfire, natural disaster, and the Exclusive Economic Zone, among others, FAB said in a statement.
Trinidad and Tobago: Prioritizing the Fight Against Gang-Related Crimes
Trinidad and Tobago security forces are bracing themselves for a new wave of violence, while beefing up capabilities to combat crime, as gangs splinter and new leaders attempt to establish control.
115th Engineer Company Arrives in Guatemala, Participates in Operation Resolute Sentinel 22
Soldiers from the West Virginia National Guard’s 115th Engineer Company, 1092nd Engineer Battalion, recently arrived in Flores, Guatemala, to provide support to Operation Resolute Sentinel 22.
Forums and Influence: Chinese Competitive Strategy and Multilateral Organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean
The recent Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles was Washington’s big push to showcase the importance of multilateral forums in Latin America and the Caribbean as a shaping tool for developing a regional agenda and fostering coordination. Of course, the administration of President Joe Biden did not extend an invitation to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), but China was on everyone’s mind. “It’s much better for us… to have a supply chain here in the Americas than it is for us to be dependent on a supply chain that comes from China,” U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar told reporters at the event. For better or for worse, the summit was Washington’s show and focused on crafting a coordinated agenda for the region as well as showcasing the numerous points of weakness in Washington’s regional engagement, primarily stemming from the evolving political dynamics of the region. But throughout the summit, it was clear that Washington’s agenda was deeply rooted in its underlying concerns over the PRC’s ambitions in the Americas and its ongoing efforts to build relationships with the region’s various multilateral institutions to support Chinese national objectives and those of Chinese companies in the region.
Chilean Army Participates in Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium 22
U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force co-hosted the annual Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium (PALS) 2022 event, in Tokyo, Japan, June 13-16.
UN Rights Chief Issues Blistering Report on Nicaragua
U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet has issued a blistering report on Nicaragua’s deteriorating human rights situation, which she said was spurring unprecedented numbers of people to flee to other countries. She presented her report June 16 to the U.N. Human Rights Council, where it remains under review.
Fuerzas Comando 2022 Closing Ceremony
Fuerzas Comando 2022 closing ceremony was held at the Honduran military parade field in Campo Marte, June 24, 2022. Honduran President Xiomara Castro was the ceremony’s principal speaker, with U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) International Affairs and Exercise Director Kevin Bostick as the honorary guest speaker. Colombia won the multinational Special Operations Competition Fuerzas Comando 2022 after 10 days of grueling events and earned Fuerzas Comando 2022 Champions.
