Chile: Students protest against education budget cuts
On 03 June, Associated Press reported that protests were carried out by thousands of students, teachers, and activists in the city of Santiago against proposed budget cuts by 3 per cent across all ministries by President Antonio Kast’s government including the education sector. Government authorities stated that this move was necessary to improve Chile’s fiscal position. The protesters said that the spending cuts could affect the quality of public education and reduce student support programmes. The protests were organised by student groups and supported by teachers’ unions and other civil society organisations. Meanwhile, clashes occurred between some protesters and police during the march. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds while some protesters threw stones and other objects. Several roads were blocked and some metro stations were temporarily closed because of the unrest.
(“Protesters clash with police in Chile’s capital over President Kast’s education cuts,” Associated Press, 03 June 2026)
https://apnews.com/article/chile-education-rally-students-kast-budget-25ff2288814cf86bfc6c3278c5180a67 

 Argentina: Protests against gender violence grow after murder of teenage girl

On 03-04 June, Associated Press and Al Jazeera reported that following the murder of 14 year old girl Agostina Vega in Cordoba province, thousands of people marched across Argentina to protest against gender-based violence. The protests took place under the banner ‘Ni Una Menos’ (“Not One  Woman Less”), a movement that was begun in 2015 to raise awareness about violence against women. Protesters demanded justice for Agostina and called for stronger action to prevent gender-based violence. Meanwhile, activists criticised President Javier Milei’s government for reducing funding and support programmes that were aimed at protecting women and victims of gender violence. The protests revived public debate over femicide and the effectiveness of government policies to address violence against women in Argentina. 
(“11 years after one teen’s death sparked massive Argentine protests, a new case shakes the nation,” Associated Press, 03 June 2026; “Argentina erupts in protest against gender violence after teen murder,” Al Jazeera, 04 June 2026)
https://apnews.com/article/argentina-femicide-javier-milei-agostina-vega-ni-una-menos-597b8012ba81e72a9d08d6e23a238074 
https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2026/6/4/argentina-erupts-in-protest-against-gender-violence-after-teen-murder 

Ecuador: Families seek answers over disappearances during anti-crime operations

On 04 June, Al Jazeera reported that during military operations carried out by the government as an effort to combat organised crime and drug related violence, there were instances of enforced disappearances. Families in Ecuador are still searching for answers about their relatives who disappeared during these operations. According to official figures, 51 people have reportedly disappeared during these operations since early 2024. Human rights activists and civil society organisations have accused security forces of carrying out illegal detentions and enforced disappearances. However, the government has denied these allegations. The report highlighted the case of Jonathan Villon, a father of three who disappeared in December 2024 after he was reportedly detained by soldiers. His family said they have received very little information about what happened to him despite repeatedly contacting the authorities. These issue has increased concerns about human rights and accountability as Ecuador continues its efforts to tackle organised crime, gang violence, and drug trafficking.
(“Ecuador’s disappeared: Inside one family’s search for answers,” Al Jazeera, 04 June 2026)
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/longform/2026/6/4/ecuadors-disappeared-inside-one-familys-search-for-answers 

Brazil-Sweden: Brasilia considers buying more Gripen fighter jets

On 04 June, Reuters reported that Brazil is considering buying 20 more Gripen fighter jets from Sweden. Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson said Brazil has shown interest in expanding its current order of 36 Gripen aircraft which was decided through an agreement in 2014. The additional jets would be produced in Brazil through a partnership between Swedish company Saab and Brazilian aerospace company Embraer. Meanwhile, some aircraft from the original order have already been delivered while the remaining jets are expected to arrive by 2027. During a meeting in Stockholm, defence ministers from both countries signed an agreement to strengthen defence cooperation. Saab also announced plans to establish a research and development centre in Brazil. These discussions highlight the growing defence partnership between Brazil and Sweden and Brazil’s efforts to modernise its air force.
(“Brazil could buy another 20 Gripen jets, Sweden says,” Reuters, 04 June 2026)
https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/brazil-could-buy-another-20-gripen-jets-sweden-says-2026-06-04/ 

Venezuela and India: Caracas and New Delhi strengthen energy cooperation

On 04 June, Reuters reported that India and Venezuela agreed to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector during the visit of Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez to New Delhi. The talks  between PM Narendra Modi and Rodriguez focused on increasing cooperation in oil production and refining projects. Indian officials said both countries have strong opportunities to work together in the energy sector. They also said Venezuela sees India as an important partner for energy cooperation. Meanwhile, India has increased its imports of Venezuelan oil as tensions in the Middle East have affected global energy supplies. In May, Venezuela became India’s second-largest supplier of crude oil with Indian companies importing about 427,000 barrels per day. The two sides also discussed ways to expand cooperation in trade, investment, and other sectors. These developments reflects India’s efforts to diversify its energy sources and improve energy security amid uncertainty in global oil markets.
(“India sees ‘perfect complementarity’ with Venezuela in energy trade amid Gulf crisis,” Reuters, 04 June 2026)
https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-sees-perfect-complimentarity-with-venezuela-energy-trade-amid-gulf-crisis-2026-06-04/  

Bolivia and US: Washington increases emergency aid amid ongoing protests

On 04 June, Reuters reported that the United States is increasing emergency assistance to Bolivia as protests continue across the country. The protests have been led by labour unions and supporters of former President Evo Morales. Demonstrators are protesting against government austerity measures and the rising cost of living. Road blockades and demonstrations have disrupted transportation and affected the supply of essential goods in several parts of the country. During a phone call with Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the Trump administration would be willing to provide additional support to help address food and medical supplies shortages. Meanwhile, the US State Department said it would continue to support Bolivia’s efforts to restore stability and improve living conditions. This announcement comes as President Paz faces increasing pressure to bring the protests under control while rejecting calls to step down from office.
(“US says it is ramping up emergency assistance in Bolivia amid protests,” Reuters, 04 June 2026)
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-says-it-is-ramping-up-emergency-assistance-bolivia-amid-protests-2026-06-04/  

Cuba: Suspension of  visa and mastercard transactions deepens economic challenges
On 04 June, Reuters reported that Cuba will suspend Visa and Mastercard transactions from Saturday, citing the impact of expanded US sanctions. Cuba's central bank, which has been processing international card payments for the island has decided to limit its operations following a US executive order issued in the beginning of May. Following this, Cuba will no longer be able to receive payments for goods and services through internationally recognised cards such as Visa and Mastercard. This move is expected to further affect Cuba's already struggling economy. Tourism sector is also expected to be affected as Cuba relies heavily on foreign visitors. The decision is linked to sanctions targeting GAESA, a military-run conglomerate that US assumes to control major sectors of Cuba's economy. Havana states that these measures are designed to increase economic pressure on the island, but Washington defends that these sanctions target only entities benefiting Cuba's political and military leadership.
("Cuba to suspend Visa and Mastercard transactions, citing US sanctions," Reuters, 04 June 2026)
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/cuba-suspend-visa-mastercard-transactions-citing-us-sanctions-2026-06-03/ 

Trinidad and Tobago wins UN Security Council Seat
On 04 June, Trinidad and Tobago secured a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term. 181 of 191 votes were received by them in the UN General Assembly. The result exceeded the two-thirds majority required for election and was achieved in a single round of voting. The island's campaign which was led by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar mainly focused on three priorities, curbing the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons; women and children, peace and security; and artificial intelligence and global security. Trinidad and Tobago is set to replace Panama on the Council and join Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, and Zimbabwe as newly elected members. CARICOM leaders welcomed the result and described it as a significant achievement for the Caribbean region. This appears to be an opportunity to bring the concerns of small island developing states to global security discussions.
("Trinidad and Tobago Wins Seat on UN Security Council in Historic Landslide," Greater Belize Media, 04 June 2026)
https://www.greaterbelize.com/trinidad-and-tobago-wins-seat-on-un-security-council-in-historic-landslide/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=trinidad-and-tobago-wins-seat-on-un-security-council-in-historic-landslide 

Cuba: Washington sanctions President Miguel Díaz-Cane
On 05 June, Reuters reported that the United States imposed sanctions on Cuba's President Miguel Díaz-Canel and several individuals linked to the government of Cuba. The targeted individuals include his wife, Lis Cuesta Peraza, members of the Castro family, and Cuba's Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces. The sanctions appears to be the recent attempt by Trump administration to increase pressure on Cuba's leadership and communist government. The announcement came as President Donald Trump stated that the United States wanted Cuba to become “a nicely run country.” In response, Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla condemned the measures as interventionist and accused Washington of attempting to create tensions between the two countries. The move is followed by a series of recent US sanctions targeting officials, military leaders, and state institutions.
(" US imposes sanctions on Cuban president, Treasury website shows," Reuters, 05 June 2026)
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-imposes-sanctions-cuban-president-treasury-website-shows-2026-06-04/