The United Nations has declared COVID-19 a significant health threat to Indigenous populations worldwide, highlighting the need for their self-determination rights to be respected and for their specific needs to be acknowledged. In Brazil, the virus has resulted in hundreds of deaths within Indigenous communities and infected tens of thousands, exacerbating existing challenges related to environmental damage and economic difficulties.

Antonio Guterres, the United Nations secretary-general, has warned that the COVID-19 pandemic will result in significant poverty in Latin America and the Caribbean, with an estimated 18 million job losses. The crisis is expected to disproportionately affect women and Black and Indigenous communities. Al Jazeera's Daniel Schweimler delivered the report from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Argentina's government has granted special permission for Olympic athletes to train in preparation for next year's games, while reimposing strict restrictions on outdoor exercise for the general population to control the COVID-19 pandemic.

Latin America and the Caribbean have surpassed two million COVID-19 infections. Bolivia is particularly affected, with over 23,000 cases and 740 deaths, and is facing a healthcare crisis exacerbated by a corruption scandal in its health ministry. Hospitals are overwhelmed, leading to patients dying in the streets. The region has seen varied success with different measures implemented to contain the pandemic.

Developers clearing the Amazon rainforest for cattle rearing and soya production are responsible for many of the fires currently raging in Brazil. The environmental crisis poses a threat to the survival of Indigenous communities in remote areas, with European leaders and the international community urging for containment. The situation is particularly dire for the Karipuna people in the state of Rondonia, northwest Brazil.

Six months into his presidency, Jair Bolsonaro has confronted Brazil's high crime rates and economic challenges, amidst controversial attacks on women and minorities. Public sentiment has been mixed, with some holding high hopes and others harboring serious concerns. Daniel Schweimler provides an overview of the situation from Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.

Bolivian President Evo Morales has launched his campaign for a fourth consecutive term amid opposition claims that his re-election bid is unconstitutional, citing a 2016 referendum where voters opposed such a move. The election is scheduled for October.

Soybean farmers in Brazil are concerned that the potential resolution of the trade war between the United States and China could negatively impact their exports. The soybean industry is a significant source of livelihood in western Brazil, and the prospect of China resuming soy purchases from the US has Brazilian farmers worried about their future.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is on his first overseas trip since taking office, heading to the United States to meet with President Donald Trump. The outcome of the meeting may be influenced by the perceived similarities between Bolsonaro and Trump.

Marches and rallies were held worldwide to mark International Women's Day, with a focus on pushing for equality. In Argentina, women expressed their concerns in the context of the upcoming elections. Al Jazeera's Daniel Schweimler reported from Buenos Aires.

Brazil has deployed troops to the north-eastern state of Ceara in response to a surge in violent crime, including a bomb explosion, torched buses, and assaults on banks and public buildings. The police attribute this wave of attacks to retaliation against President Jair Bolsonaro's crackdown on gangs.

Bolivia's President Evo Morales is set to run for a fourth term despite losing a 2016 referendum aimed at changing the constitution to permit another term. The opposition deems his move unconstitutional. Protests have erupted, particularly in Santa Cruz, where an electoral commission office was set ablaze.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticized Russia's deployment of Tu-160 bombers to Venezuela for a joint training mission, framing it as an act of two corrupt governments wasting resources and oppressing their people. Russia retorted by labeling US criticism as inappropriate, pointing out the US's massive defense budget. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has repeatedly claimed that the US is attempting to overthrow his government.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticized Russia's military exercise with Venezuela, labeling both governments as corrupt and accusing them of oppressing their people. Russia retorted by highlighting the disproportionate US defense budget. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has repeatedly claimed that the US aims to overthrow his government.

The Copa Libertadores final between River Plate and Boca Juniors was postponed again after Boca players were injured in an attack by River Plate fans. The match had been rescheduled to Sunday but was postponed due to the players' condition, causing frustration among football fans. Al Jazeera's Daniel Schweimler reported from Buenos Aires.

The Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, Argentina, showcased 32 sports, including fencing, wrestling, sport climbing, and break dancing. These sports, typically overshadowed by football in a country known for legends like Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, are drawing local crowds. The event is seen as an opportunity to provide a long-term boost to the popularity of various sports in Argentina.

The Youth Olympic Games aim to make the Olympics relevant to a new generation of athletes, countering claims that the Olympics have strayed from their original ideals. The Olympic movement denies that the event has become too commercialized or plagued by cheating.

Brazil is conducting a nationwide vaccination campaign for eleven million young children in response to a measles outbreak that has resulted in five deaths and thousands of infections, particularly affecting the northern city of Manaus.

Despite being imprisoned for 12 years on corruption charges, former President Luiz Inacio 'Lula' da Silva remains the most popular choice for re-election in Brazil. Opinion polls reflect voter disillusionment and indecision about the upcoming presidential race. Lula maintains his innocence and is actively campaigning for the right to run in the October elections.

A Brazilian government commission has proposed relaxing pesticide regulations to benefit the agricultural sector, sparking debate in Congress. Rural families argue that current pesticide use is already harming health and the environment, with four out of the ten most used pesticides in Brazil being prohibited in Europe. Concerns focus on contamination of air, food, and water leading to illness and fatalities.

Global Witness, an NGO, released figures showing that 207 environmental activists were murdered last year. The report highlights that these killings are often carried out by individuals associated with mining, logging, or large agricultural businesses. Brazil was identified as the most dangerous country for environmental and land activists, with 57 murders reported.

Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a second term as president of Venezuela in a ceremony held by the government-controlled Constituent Assembly, which was criticized by the opposition as unconstitutional. The opposition had boycotted the election, claiming it would not be free or fair.

Mario Abdo Benitez of the Colorado Party has been elected as the president of Paraguay, narrowly defeating the opposition. The Colorado Party has been a dominant force in Paraguayan politics for over 70 years. Benitez has pledged to address the country's poverty issues by encouraging foreign investment.

Over 10,000 individuals in Salta, a northern province of Argentina, have evacuated due to severe flooding caused by the Pilcomayo River overflowing. Salta is known for its indigenous communities. Al Jazeera's Daniel Schweimler delivered the report from Santa Victoria, which is situated near the borders with Bolivia and Paraguay.

The Argentine Navy continues its search for the missing submarine with 44 crew members, amidst fading hope and evidence of a possible explosion near its last known location. Family members express anger at the navy's handling of the situation.

An Argentine navy submarine, ARA San Juan, has been missing for a week, initiating a critical search and rescue operation due to concerns that the 44 crew members may be running low on oxygen. Despite the efforts of a 4,000-strong team using planes and boats, no trace of the vessel has been found. The submarine is equipped with food and fuel for 90 days, but if it is stranded underwater, the oxygen supply could be critically low.

Argentine officials have not been able to determine the location of the missing naval submarine ARA San Juan, despite detecting seven failed satellite calls. The submarine, with 44 crew members on board, lost contact on Wednesday. There is fading hope for the crew's survival as the search continues.

UN Peacekeepers have concluded their mission in Haiti after 13 years, assisting the country through political crises and natural disasters. The peacekeeping mission will officially end later in the month, to be succeeded by a smaller force aimed at strengthening Haiti's judicial system.

The UN Stabilization Mission, known as MINUSTAH, is withdrawing from Haiti after 13 years. The mission is recognized for contributing to Haiti's stability but is also criticized for issues such as disease, violence, and sexual exploitation.

Bolivia President Evo Morales visited the environmentally sensitive Tipnis National Park to promote a road building project, which he believes will enhance the economy. The region is recognized for its diverse ecosystem and isolated native culture.

Ecuador is conducting the second round of presidential elections with voters deciding between former vice president Lenin Moreno and conservative banker Guillermo Lasso. The main issues are the country's struggling economy, corruption, and crime. Rafael Correa is stepping down after a decade in power.

Brazil is implementing a $3 billion water project involving two canals that will divert water from South America’s fourth-longest river to reservoirs and lakes in the northeast, aiming to alleviate the effects of drought in the region. The project has been under development for 10 years.

In northern Brazil, about 100 inmates have died in 2017 due to riots sparked by rival drug gang feuds, overcrowding, underfunding, and corruption in prisons. The violence began with a January 1 riot in Amazonas, leaving 56 dead, followed by 33 deaths in Roraima on January 6, and 10 more in subsequent clashes. Over 100 inmates have escaped, causing fear among Manaus residents. Brazil's prisons are severely overcrowded, with over 600,000 inmates in facilities meant for less than 400,000. The government plans to build more prisons, but immediate solutions are needed to manage the current crisis.

Bolivia faces a national diabetes crisis, with nearly 500,000 citizens affected. The government collaborates with traditional healers to address the issue, particularly within indigenous communities. Traditional medicine, once outlawed until the 1980s, is now being integrated with modern medical practices to educate and prevent diabetes.

Basketball has become a symbol of the improving relations between the US and Cuba, with the sport thriving in Havana through a street league supported by Full Court Peace, a US organization. The league promotes friendship and helps Cuban youth avoid societal vices, with basketball being a creative outlet for players like Etian Arnau.