President Joe Biden revealed a planned new US economic relationship with Latin America aimed at fighting China's growing dominance.

Joe Biden unveils Latin American economic plan at Summit of Americas

US President Joe Biden heads Wednesday to a Latin America summit on a mission to woo back the region as his administration pushed out pledges, including a plan to train half a million health workers.

The long-awaited Summit of the Americas was marred by a boycott from Mexico's president, who was upset that Biden did not invite the leftist leaders of Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela on the grounds that they did not meet democratic standards.

The Biden administration insisted there were no hard feelings and moved forward on initiatives aimed at cementing ties across Latin America, where a rising China has increasingly made inroads despite the historic US influence.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-vows-forceful-response-if-north-korea-tests-nuke-486152">US vows forceful response if North Korea tests nuke</a>

Hours before Biden was to arrive, his administration announced a new Americas Health Corps that will aim to improve the skills of 500,000 health workers across the region, building on the lessons from Covid-19, which hit the Western Hemisphere especially hard.

The health training will cost $100 million, although the United States will not contribute all of it and will seek to raise funds, including through the Pan American Health Organization.

The pandemic "showed us the many cracks in our global health systems and underscored the importance of strong and resilient health systems for the entire population," a White House statement said.

China has stepped up its role in Latin America since the pandemic started, moving early to supply vaccines.&nbsp;

Cuba has also long exported its state-employed doctors, a practice that so infuriated the previous administration of Donald Trump that he suspended funding for the Pan American Health Organization over alleged ties.

The health announcement comes a day after Vice President Kamala Harris detailed another $1.9 billion in commitments by businesses to invest in impoverished and violence-ravaged El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.

The troubles in the so-called Northern Triangle, as well as Haiti, have generated a soaring number of migrants to the United States, setting off a domestic furor as Trump's Republican Party demands efforts to stop them.

"We know the American people will benefit from stable and prosperous neighbors. And when we provide economic opportunity for people in Central America, we address an important driver of migration," Harris said.

'Nearshoring'&nbsp;

Mauricio Claver-Carone, the president of the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), said that Latin America can increasingly be seen as a "sea of peace" for investors amid the global turbulence from Russia's invasion of Ukraine and rising risks associated with manufacturing juggernaut China.

The head of the IADB, which provides development funding in Latin America, said he saw a rise of "nearshoring," with businesses moving closer to markets rather than in China.

Since the first Summit of the Americas in 1994, "each dollar that went to China was one dollar, one investment, one job less for Latin America and the Caribbean," he told AFP in an interview in Los Angeles.

In Latin America, "whether they are governments of the left or the right, they all want foreign investment, they all want nearshoring, they all want economic growth," he said.

The first summit, held in Miami by Bill Clinton, aimed to create a vast free-trade zone that would span the hemisphere other than communist Cuba.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vp-kamala-harris-announces-usd-32-billion-migration-fund-for-central-american-countries-486093">US VP Kamala Harris announces USD 3.2 billion migration fund for Central American countries</a>

Biden is holding only the second Summit of the Americas on US soil at a time that the political appetite for free trade has waned in Washington, with Trump rising to power in part by attacking trade liberalization as hurting workers.

But Biden has stood firm on another core principle of the Summit of the Americas -- democracy -- even as he considers going next month to Saudi Arabia, a critical oil supplier.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador insisted that all nations of the hemisphere should be included, a stance backed by several other regional leaders who nonetheless agreed to come.

Biden is separately expected to meet President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil, Latin America's most populous nation, despite rising fears that the Trump ally will not accept the legitimacy of upcoming elections.

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US President Joe Biden heads Wednesday to a Latin America summit on a mission to woo back the region as his administration pushed out pledges, including a plan to train half a million health workers.

US President Joe Biden heads Wednesday to a Latin America summit on a mission to woo back the region as his administration pushed out pledges, including a plan to train half a million health workers. The long-awaited Summit of the Americas was marred by a boycott from Mexico's president, who was upset that Biden did not invite the leftist leaders of Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela on the grounds that they did not meet democratic standards. The Biden administration insisted there were no hard feelings and moved forward on initiatives aimed at cementing ties across Latin America, where a rising China has increasingly made inroads despite the historic US influence. Also read | US vows forceful response if North Korea tests nuke Hours before Biden was to arrive, his administration announced a new Americas Health Corps that will aim to improve the skills of 500,000 health workers across the region, building on the lessons from Covid-19, which hit the Western Hemisphere especially hard. The health training will cost $100 million, although the United States will not contribute all of it and will seek to raise funds, including through the Pan American Health Organization. The pandemic "showed us the many cracks in our global health systems and underscored the importance of strong and resilient health systems for the entire population," a White House statement said. China has stepped up its role in Latin America since the pandemic started, moving early to supply vaccines. Cuba has also long exported its state-employed doctors, a practice that so infuriated the previous administration of Donald Trump that he suspended funding for the Pan American Health Organization over alleged ties. The health announcement comes a day after Vice President Kamala Harris detailed another $1.9 billion in commitments by businesses to invest in impoverished and violence-ravaged El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. The troubles in the so-called Northern Triangle, as well as Haiti, have generated a soaring number of migrants to the United States, setting off a domestic furor as Trump's Republican Party demands efforts to stop them. "We know the American people will benefit from stable and prosperous neighbors. And when we provide economic opportunity for people in Central America, we address an important driver of migration," Harris said. 'Nearshoring' Mauricio Claver-Carone, the president of the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), said that Latin America can increasingly be seen as a "sea of peace" for investors amid the global turbulence from Russia's invasion of Ukraine and rising risks associated with manufacturing juggernaut China. The head of the IADB, which provides development funding in Latin America, said he saw a rise of "nearshoring," with businesses moving closer to markets rather than in China. Since the first Summit of the Americas in 1994, "each dollar that went to China was one dollar, one investment, one job less for Latin America and the Caribbean," he told AFP in an interview in Los Angeles. In Latin America, "whether they are governments of the left or the right, they all want foreign investment, they all want nearshoring, they all want economic growth," he said. The first summit, held in Miami by Bill Clinton, aimed to create a vast free-trade zone that would span the hemisphere other than communist Cuba. Also read | US VP Kamala Harris announces USD 3.2 billion migration fund for Central American countries Biden is holding only the second Summit of the Americas on US soil at a time that the political appetite for free trade has waned in Washington, with Trump rising to power in part by attacking trade liberalization as hurting workers. But Biden has stood firm on another core principle of the Summit of the Americas -- democracy -- even as he considers going next month to Saudi Arabia, a critical oil supplier. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador insisted that all nations of the hemisphere should be included, a stance backed by several other regional leaders who nonetheless agreed to come. Biden is separately expected to meet President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil, Latin America's most populous nation, despite rising fears that the Trump ally will not accept the legitimacy of upcoming elections. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US announces $100 million plan to train 500,000 health workers in Latin America

American President Joe Biden is creating US engagement with Latin America by holding a week long summit at Los Angeles. White house is yet to finalize list of invites. Mexico threatens to boycott the summit. Biden administration planned to exclude Cuba and Venezuela etc.

Joe Biden on a week long summit at the Los Angeles

Thousands in Argentina protested against the country's soaring inflation bringing the capital to a standstill. As protesters demand better jobs and wages, Palki Sharma tells you what this means for the future of Latin America's third-largest economy.

Gravitas: Argentines bring capital to standstill

The Coronavirus outbreak has made a huge impact on economic, social and political fronts in many Latin American countries. WION brings you a report.

Latin America emerges as one of world's most vaccinated regions

Latin America surpass Europe and North America to become the most vaccinated region in the world, with 63% of people being inoculated.

Latin America becomes the most vaccinated region worldwide, with 63% of people being inoculated

Various Latin American environmental experts and organisations&nbsp;have asked the US to decrease plastic waste exports to the region. The US is the biggest contributor to global plastic waste in the world as it contributed around 42 million metric tons of plastic waste in 2016. Also, a report revealed that the US had doubled exports to some countries in Latin America&nbsp;during the first seven months of 2020.&nbsp;

As per a study by the Last Beach Cleanup, over 75 per cent of imports to the region come to Mexico as it received more than 32,650 tons. El Salvador was second, with 4,054 tons. Ecuador was in the third position third, with 3,665 tons.

Fernanda Solíz, the health area director at the Simón Bolívar University, in a report by The Guardian said, "The cross-border plastic waste trade is perhaps one of the most nefarious expressions of the commercialisation of common goods and the colonial occupation of territories of the geopolitical south to turn them into sacrifice zones."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-scale-deluge-report-reveals-us-is-the-worlds-biggest-plastic-polluter-433451">Also read |&nbsp;'Global scale deluge': Report reveals US is the world's biggest plastic polluter</a>

Meanwhile, a report titled "Reckoning with the US Role in Global Ocean Plastic Waste," states that every American generates 130 kg of plastic waste per year.&nbsp;

Accounting to a 20-fold increase over half a century, global plastic production increased from 20 million metric tons in 1966 to 381 million metric tons in 2015.&nbsp;

There are a few nations that are doing their bit to fight against the problem of increasing plastic. For instance, the UK government is planning to ban single-use plastic plates and cutlery and polystyrene cups. France has decided to ban plastic packaging for nearly all fruit and vegetables from January 2022 in a bid to reduce plastic waste, followed by Spain which aims at banning the sale of fruit and vegetables wrapped in plastic from 2023.

(With inputs from agencies)

Various Latin American environmental experts and organisations have asked the US to decrease plastic waste exports to the region. The US is the biggest contributor to global plastic waste in the world as it contributed around 42 million metric tons of plastic waste in 2016.

Various Latin American environmental experts and organisations have asked the US to decrease plastic waste exports to the region. The US is the biggest contributor to global plastic waste in the world as it contributed around 42 million metric tons of plastic waste in 2016. Also, a report revealed that the US had doubled exports to some countries in Latin America during the first seven months of 2020. As per a study by the Last Beach Cleanup, over 75 per cent of imports to the region come to Mexico as it received more than 32,650 tons. El Salvador was second, with 4,054 tons. Ecuador was in the third position third, with 3,665 tons. Fernanda Solíz, the health area director at the Simón Bolívar University, in a report by The Guardian said, "The cross-border plastic waste trade is perhaps one of the most nefarious expressions of the commercialisation of common goods and the colonial occupation of territories of the geopolitical south to turn them into sacrifice zones." Also read | 'Global scale deluge': Report reveals US is the world's biggest plastic polluter Meanwhile, a report titled "Reckoning with the US Role in Global Ocean Plastic Waste," states that every American generates 130 kg of plastic waste per year. Accounting to a 20-fold increase over half a century, global plastic production increased from 20 million metric tons in 1966 to 381 million metric tons in 2015. There are a few nations that are doing their bit to fight against the problem of increasing plastic. For instance, the UK government is planning to ban single-use plastic plates and cutlery and polystyrene cups. France has decided to ban plastic packaging for nearly all fruit and vegetables from January 2022 in a bid to reduce plastic waste, followed by Spain which aims at banning the sale of fruit and vegetables wrapped in plastic from 2023. (With inputs from agencies)

Latin American organisations urge US to curb plastic waste export

The Amazon is the world's largest tropical rainforest. It spreads over nine Latin American countries and is often called the lungs of the planet. So, the disappearance of the large swathes of forest is quite concerning. WION tells you what's at stake.

Why is Amazon Rainforest disappearing?

In a positive change, Chile joins Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Costa Rica and Uruguay in allowing same-sex marriage in the country. Both houses of Chile's parliament has passed the legislation, and President Piñera is expected to sign it before the end of his term.

Chile becomes the latest nation in Latin America to legalise same-sex marriage, Congress gives nod

Brazil on Friday surpassed 600,000 deaths from the deadly coronavirus, reveals the health ministry. The country of 213 million has also recorded more than 21.5 million cases of the deadly virus.&nbsp;

This comes in when Latin America's death toll from coronavirus surpassed 1.5 million. The toll is at least 1,500,350 deaths, with more than 45 million cases of the virus recorded.&nbsp;

Brazil is the second hardest-hit country, after the United States.&nbsp;After Brazil comes Mexico, Peru, Colombia and Argentina in terms of deaths.

Margareth Dalcolmo, pulmonologist and researcher at the prestigious Fiocruz research institute, while speaking to AFP said, "The situation has improved but we cannot lower our guard."She said that the pandemic could only be considered under control once "we have 80 per cent of the population vaccinated."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-covid-19-update-high-infection-rate-in-0-19-age-group-in-india-globally-new-cases-fall-by-9-419214">Also read |&nbsp;WHO COVID-19 Update: High infection rate in 0-19 age group in India, globally new cases fall by 9%</a>

As of now, 71.4 per cent of Brazilians have received at least one vaccination dose but only 45.9 per cent are fully immunised.&nbsp;

Brazil's vaccination program began in late January, weeks after Argentina and the US. Specialists have blamed a lack of government planning.

Things have dramatically improved from three months ago. However, before this, 2,000 Brazilians a day were dying from the deadly virus.

That death rate dropped below 1,000 at the end of July and kept shrinking until it stabilised around 500 in September.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-had-the-vaccines-and-a-plan-to-reopen-instead-they-got-cold-feet-419189">Also read |&nbsp;They had the vaccines and a plan to reopen. Instead they got cold feet.</a>

Brazil is far from seeing "the light at the end of the tunnel, the situation remains worrying," said Domingos Alves, a researcher at the Sao Paulo University's faculty of medicine.

Globally the pandemic has now claimed more than 4.8 million lives, with more than 237 million cases of the disease reported.

Brazil on Friday surpassed 600,000 deaths from the deadly coronavirus, reveals the health ministry. The country of 213 million has also recorded more than 21.5 million cases of the deadly virus.

Brazil on Friday surpassed 600,000 deaths from the deadly coronavirus, reveals the health ministry. The country of 213 million has also recorded more than 21.5 million cases of the deadly virus. This comes in when Latin America's death toll from coronavirus surpassed 1.5 million. The toll is at least 1,500,350 deaths, with more than 45 million cases of the virus recorded. Brazil is the second hardest-hit country, after the United States. After Brazil comes Mexico, Peru, Colombia and Argentina in terms of deaths. Margareth Dalcolmo, pulmonologist and researcher at the prestigious Fiocruz research institute, while speaking to AFP said, "The situation has improved but we cannot lower our guard."She said that the pandemic could only be considered under control once "we have 80 per cent of the population vaccinated." Also read | WHO COVID-19 Update: High infection rate in 0-19 age group in India, globally new cases fall by 9% As of now, 71.4 per cent of Brazilians have received at least one vaccination dose but only 45.9 per cent are fully immunised. Brazil's vaccination program began in late January, weeks after Argentina and the US. Specialists have blamed a lack of government planning. Things have dramatically improved from three months ago. However, before this, 2,000 Brazilians a day were dying from the deadly virus. That death rate dropped below 1,000 at the end of July and kept shrinking until it stabilised around 500 in September. Also read | They had the vaccines and a plan to reopen. Instead they got cold feet. Brazil is far from seeing "the light at the end of the tunnel, the situation remains worrying," said Domingos Alves, a researcher at the Sao Paulo University's faculty of medicine. Globally the pandemic has now claimed more than 4.8 million lives, with more than 237 million cases of the disease reported.

Latin America's COVID-19 death toll surpasses 1.5 million with 600,000 deaths in Brazil

Thousands of women demonstrated in several Latin American cities on Tuesday to commemorate the global day of action for access to safe and legal abortion, in a region where the procedure is fully permitted only in a handful of countries.

In Mexico City, women marched to the historic center under the gaze of police with shields and riot helmets.

Authorities put up protective fences on some major buildings and monuments that in the past have been spray-painted during demonstrations.

"I still don't know if I want to be a mom, but I want to have the right to decide," read a sign held by a young woman with a green scarf around her neck.

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Earlier this month Mexico's Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional to criminalize abortion and, shortly after, the government said that those jailed on accusations of having terminated their pregnancy would be released.

Hundreds of other women marched in other parts of Mexico, including in the cities of Cuernavaca and Veracruz.

Every year, thousands of women in Latin America die from unsafe abortions at a time when teenage pregnancies and sexual violence continue to increase in the region.

<img alt="Women's rights" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="47faa06a-3f7e-49c4-8864-fc26bab8d40a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2021-09-29T005723Z_3_LYNXMPEH8S006_RTROPTP_4_EL-SALVADOR-ABORTION-PROTEST.JPG" />

In Colombia, where abortion is allowed only in cases of rape, risks to the life of the mother, or birth defects, some 800 women marched towards the center of Bogota.

"Women are reminding states and societies that we're full citizens, not second-class, and that we have the right to abort, to voluntarily interrupt pregnancy, to decide about our bodies, about our lives, and about our maternity wards," said Ita Maria Diez, a leader of the Bogota demonstration.

A march was also held in Chile, where the lower house of Congress agreed to debate a bill to decriminalize abortion for up to 14 weeks after pregnancy.

STRICT LAWS

Scores of people in El Salvador waved green flags and marched through San Salvador en route to Congress to demand a loosening of the country's "strict" abortion laws.

Holding up banners saying "it's our right to decide" and "legal abortion, safe and free," the Salvadoran protesters sought to pressure legislators to ease one of the world's strictest abortion laws, which prohibit termination of pregnancy in cases of rape and even if the mother's life is at risk.

The proposals taken to the Salvadoran Congress have been named "Beatriz Reform," in honor of a young woman who in 2013 openly called for an abortion to save her life as she suffered from a chronic disease, which took her life four years later.

"We are asking for minimum measures to add to the Penal Code to guarantee the life and integrity of women," Morena Herrera, a prominent Salvadoran feminist, told journalists.

"It does not require constitutional reform. It can be done now and if it is true that there is independence of powers, the Legislative Assembly must respond," she added.

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele earlier this month ruled out any amendments to the abortion laws as part of controversial constitutional changes his government is planning.

But several out of more than 20 Latin American nations still ban abortion outright, including El Salvador, which has sentenced some women to up to 40 years in prison.

Thousands of women demonstrated in several Latin American cities on Tuesday to commemorate the global day of action for access to safe and legal abortion, in a region where the procedure is fully permitted only in a handful of countries.

Thousands of women demonstrated in several Latin American cities on Tuesday to commemorate the global day of action for access to safe and legal abortion, in a region where the procedure is fully permitted only in a handful of countries. In Mexico City, women marched to the historic center under the gaze of police with shields and riot helmets. Authorities put up protective fences on some major buildings and monuments that in the past have been spray-painted during demonstrations. "I still don't know if I want to be a mom, but I want to have the right to decide," read a sign held by a young woman with a green scarf around her neck. Earlier this month Mexico's Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional to criminalize abortion and, shortly after, the government said that those jailed on accusations of having terminated their pregnancy would be released. Hundreds of other women marched in other parts of Mexico, including in the cities of Cuernavaca and Veracruz. Every year, thousands of women in Latin America die from unsafe abortions at a time when teenage pregnancies and sexual violence continue to increase in the region. In Colombia, where abortion is allowed only in cases of rape, risks to the life of the mother, or birth defects, some 800 women marched towards the center of Bogota. "Women are reminding states and societies that we're full citizens, not second-class, and that we have the right to abort, to voluntarily interrupt pregnancy, to decide about our bodies, about our lives, and about our maternity wards," said Ita Maria Diez, a leader of the Bogota demonstration. A march was also held in Chile, where the lower house of Congress agreed to debate a bill to decriminalize abortion for up to 14 weeks after pregnancy. STRICT LAWS Scores of people in El Salvador waved green flags and marched through San Salvador en route to Congress to demand a loosening of the country's "strict" abortion laws. Holding up banners saying "it's our right to decide" and "legal abortion, safe and free," the Salvadoran protesters sought to pressure legislators to ease one of the world's strictest abortion laws, which prohibit termination of pregnancy in cases of rape and even if the mother's life is at risk. The proposals taken to the Salvadoran Congress have been named "Beatriz Reform," in honor of a young woman who in 2013 openly called for an abortion to save her life as she suffered from a chronic disease, which took her life four years later. "We are asking for minimum measures to add to the Penal Code to guarantee the life and integrity of women," Morena Herrera, a prominent Salvadoran feminist, told journalists. "It does not require constitutional reform. It can be done now and if it is true that there is independence of powers, the Legislative Assembly must respond," she added. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele earlier this month ruled out any amendments to the abortion laws as part of controversial constitutional changes his government is planning. But several out of more than 20 Latin American nations still ban abortion outright, including El Salvador, which has sentenced some women to up to 40 years in prison.

Women across Latin America march in favour of abortion rights

With an aim to boost bilateral cooperation, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is visiting Mexico. His three-day tour to the country will begin on Sunday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

There will be discussions over trade and investment and other areas as well. This is Jaishankar's first visit to Mexico as external affairs minister.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

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While announcing Jaishankar's visit, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said he is scheduled to participate in the commemorative events of the 200th anniversary of the consolidation of Mexican Independence, along with other leaders. &nbsp;

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"In addition to his meeting with Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon, he will also call on the President of Mexico, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. The external affairs minister will also interact with the leading CEOs and the business community in Mexico," it added. &nbsp;

Mexico is India's second-largest trade partner in Latin America at this time. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modis-secret-of-keeping-jetlag-away-during-busy-foreign-trips-revealed-416173" hreflang="en">PM Narendra Modi's 'secret' of keeping jetlag away during busy foreign trips revealed</a>

Earlier, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held several bilateral meetings with global counterparts. These meetings took place on the sidelines of the annual high-level UN General Assembly session. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The leaders discussed issues relating to Afghanistan and the Indo-Pacific. Jaishankar met French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian, Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs H Amirabdollahian, Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

With an aim to boost bilateral cooperation, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is visiting Mexico. His three-day tour to the country will begin on Sunday.

With an aim to boost bilateral cooperation, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is visiting Mexico. His three-day tour to the country will begin on Sunday. There will be discussions over trade and investment and other areas as well. This is Jaishankar's first visit to Mexico as external affairs minister. Watch: × While announcing Jaishankar's visit, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said he is scheduled to participate in the commemorative events of the 200th anniversary of the consolidation of Mexican Independence, along with other leaders. Also Read: Cyclone Gulab makes landfall in eastern India "In addition to his meeting with Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon, he will also call on the President of Mexico, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. The external affairs minister will also interact with the leading CEOs and the business community in Mexico," it added. Mexico is India's second-largest trade partner in Latin America at this time. Also Read: PM Narendra Modi's 'secret' of keeping jetlag away during busy foreign trips revealed Earlier, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held several bilateral meetings with global counterparts. These meetings took place on the sidelines of the annual high-level UN General Assembly session. The leaders discussed issues relating to Afghanistan and the Indo-Pacific. Jaishankar met French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian, Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs H Amirabdollahian, Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on three-day visit to Mexico  

A&nbsp;presidential decree has made&nbsp;Argentina the first country in Latin America to allow people to indicate gender&nbsp;beyond the binary&nbsp;on their national identification documents, by ticking an "X."

Instead of the cisgender gender identifiers of&nbsp;male or female, this option will help safeguard those who don't identify with the gender binary.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesian-man-dresses-up-as-wife-to-escape-coronavirus-detection-399693">Indonesian man dresses up as wife to escape coronavirus detection</a>

With this new choice, gender identity will be protected in a way that goes beyond the traditional binary distinction between males and females. This move has been discussed since 2012.

The official gazette of the country stated that the "X" could&nbsp;denote several different statuses, including "non-binary" or "indeterminate," as well as "another meaning" for someone with difficulties relating to the male/female binary.

Celebrating the decree, President Alberto Fernandez during a ceremony at the capital's Bicentennial Museum said that&nbsp;"the state should not care about a citizen's sexual orientation.". Talking about the&nbsp;importance of respecting identities beyond gender,&nbsp;he&nbsp;added that there are "a thousand ways to love, be loved, and be happy".

This "historic advance in the matter of rights" was celebrated by Argentina's LGBT Federation, which says that while this&nbsp;use of 'X' is not totally inclusive of the wide range of identities that exist, it does mark an important step towards achieving true equality in rights.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-rover-preparing-to-take-first-mars-rock-samples-399659">NASA rover preparing to take first Mars rock samples</a>

In Fernandez's view, the acceptance of same-sex marriage in his country under a law in force since 2010 is what sparked the development of this nation's commitment to diversity.

The Argentine government also recently passed a law that creates a quota for transgender workers in the Public Administration.

Argentina's national identification document (DNI), as well as its passport, will both include the new "X" category.

Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand have also implemented similar measures.

(With inputs from agencies)

A presidential decree has made Argentina the first country in Latin America to allow people to indicate gender beyond the binary on their national identification documents, by ticking an "X.

A presidential decree has made Argentina the first country in Latin America to allow people to indicate gender beyond the binary on their national identification documents, by ticking an "X." Instead of the cisgender gender identifiers of male or female, this option will help safeguard those who don't identify with the gender binary. Also read | Indonesian man dresses up as wife to escape coronavirus detection With this new choice, gender identity will be protected in a way that goes beyond the traditional binary distinction between males and females. This move has been discussed since 2012. The official gazette of the country stated that the "X" could denote several different statuses, including "non-binary" or "indeterminate," as well as "another meaning" for someone with difficulties relating to the male/female binary. Celebrating the decree, President Alberto Fernandez during a ceremony at the capital's Bicentennial Museum said that "the state should not care about a citizen's sexual orientation.". Talking about the importance of respecting identities beyond gender, he added that there are "a thousand ways to love, be loved, and be happy". This "historic advance in the matter of rights" was celebrated by Argentina's LGBT Federation, which says that while this use of 'X' is not totally inclusive of the wide range of identities that exist, it does mark an important step towards achieving true equality in rights. Also read | NASA rover preparing to take first Mars rock samples In Fernandez's view, the acceptance of same-sex marriage in his country under a law in force since 2010 is what sparked the development of this nation's commitment to diversity. The Argentine government also recently passed a law that creates a quota for transgender workers in the Public Administration. Argentina's national identification document (DNI), as well as its passport, will both include the new "X" category. Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand have also implemented similar measures. (With inputs from agencies)

Beyond cisgender: Argentina introduces Latin America's first non-binary ID options

Since 2015, over 5.6 million Venezuelans have fled the nation to flee violence, insecurity, and threats, as well as a long-running economic crisis that has resulted in a scarcity of food, medicines, and basic services.&nbsp;

Approximately 2.5 million people have settled in the Americas, where most were self-sufficient before the pandemic struck, resulting in job losses, evictions, and an increase in gender-based violence.&nbsp;

As the response to the crisis remains chronically underfunded, the ongoing migration of millions of Venezuelans has reached a "tipping point."&nbsp;

Venezuela had a population of 30 million people in 2015, and more than 5.6 million people have departed the country since then.&nbsp;

“People are still crossing, they’re very much estimates because the borders are closed and people are using irregular crossing points, but we are looking in the past few weeks at 2,000 Venezuelans a day getting into Colombia”, said Marie-Helene Verney, UNHCR Head of Operations for the Venezuela Situation.

“We’re seeing a lot - and I mean a lot - of women with children on their own coming out at the moment. Then what? Then they arrive and because they have entered irregularly, it can be very difficult if not impossible for them to get regular status.”

According to the UNHCR, approximately two million Venezuelan migrants have landed in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay, which have some of the world's highest rates of coronavirus infection and death.

Since 2015, over 5.6 million Venezuelans have fled the nation to flee violence, insecurity, and threats, as well as a long-running economic crisis that has resulted in a scarcity of food, medicines, and basic services.

Since 2015, over 5.6 million Venezuelans have fled the nation to flee violence, insecurity, and threats, as well as a long-running economic crisis that has resulted in a scarcity of food, medicines, and basic services. Approximately 2.5 million people have settled in the Americas, where most were self-sufficient before the pandemic struck, resulting in job losses, evictions, and an increase in gender-based violence. As the response to the crisis remains chronically underfunded, the ongoing migration of millions of Venezuelans has reached a "tipping point." Venezuela had a population of 30 million people in 2015, and more than 5.6 million people have departed the country since then. “People are still crossing, they’re very much estimates because the borders are closed and people are using irregular crossing points, but we are looking in the past few weeks at 2,000 Venezuelans a day getting into Colombia”, said Marie-Helene Verney, UNHCR Head of Operations for the Venezuela Situation. “We’re seeing a lot - and I mean a lot - of women with children on their own coming out at the moment. Then what? Then they arrive and because they have entered irregularly, it can be very difficult if not impossible for them to get regular status.” According to the UNHCR, approximately two million Venezuelan migrants have landed in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay, which have some of the world's highest rates of coronavirus infection and death.

Venezuela refugee crisis: Largest in the modern history of Latin America

Coronavirus is taking more young lives than ever across Latin American and the Caribbean, Pan American Health Organisation’s chief has warned.

The region has already been struggling to control the widespread of the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=coronavirus">coronavirus</a> and the situation might get worse in the next few months, warned Dr Carissa F Etienne, PAHO’s Dominican director.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ray-of-hope-cdc-predicts-us-covid-cases-could-see-sharp-decline-in-july-383167" hreflang="en">Ray of hope: CDC predicts US covid cases could see sharp decline in July</a>

Latin America is home to nearly eight per cent of the global population but has lost more than a third of all Covid deaths, majority of which have been young people.

"Today, more Latin American countries than ever before are reporting more than 1,000 cases a day, and our hospitals are fuller than ever … Look around intensive care units now across our region and you will see that they are filled not only with elderly patients but also with younger people," Etienne said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/military-knows-all-about-biological-warfare-bolsonaros-swipe-at-china-over-covid-19-383113" hreflang="en">'Military knows all about biological warfare': Bolsonaro's swipe at China over COVID-19</a>

She also highlighted the growth of hospitalisation rates of people under 39 by 70 per cent in Chile in the past few months.

"In&nbsp;Brazil, mortality rates have doubled among those younger than 39. It has quadrupled among those in their 40s and tripled for those in their 50s between December 2020 and March 2021," Etienne said. "This is tragic, and the consequences are dire for our families, our societies and our future."

Vaccination drive has also been immensely slow in these regions which has worsened the situation. PAHO is urging locals to maintain social distance and wear masks, in absence of proper vaccine drives.

"We know what it takes to get there: social distancing, the wearing of masks, avoiding gathering in closed spaces are the key to reduced transmission, especially as the dangerous variants of concern circulate," Etienne requested.

Coronavirus is taking more young lives than ever across Latin American and the Caribbean, Pan American Health Organisation’s chief has warned. The region has already been struggling to control the widespread of the deadly coronavirus and the situation might get worse in the next few months, warned Dr Carissa F Etienne, PAHO’s Dominican director.

Coronavirus is taking more young lives than ever across Latin American and the Caribbean, Pan American Health Organisation’s chief has warned. The region has already been struggling to control the widespread of the deadly coronavirus and the situation might get worse in the next few months, warned Dr Carissa F Etienne, PAHO’s Dominican director. Also read | Ray of hope: CDC predicts US covid cases could see sharp decline in July Latin America is home to nearly eight per cent of the global population but has lost more than a third of all Covid deaths, majority of which have been young people. "Today, more Latin American countries than ever before are reporting more than 1,000 cases a day, and our hospitals are fuller than ever … Look around intensive care units now across our region and you will see that they are filled not only with elderly patients but also with younger people," Etienne said. Also read | 'Military knows all about biological warfare': Bolsonaro's swipe at China over COVID-19 She also highlighted the growth of hospitalisation rates of people under 39 by 70 per cent in Chile in the past few months. "In Brazil, mortality rates have doubled among those younger than 39. It has quadrupled among those in their 40s and tripled for those in their 50s between December 2020 and March 2021," Etienne said. "This is tragic, and the consequences are dire for our families, our societies and our future." Vaccination drive has also been immensely slow in these regions which has worsened the situation. PAHO is urging locals to maintain social distance and wear masks, in absence of proper vaccine drives. "We know what it takes to get there: social distancing, the wearing of masks, avoiding gathering in closed spaces are the key to reduced transmission, especially as the dangerous variants of concern circulate," Etienne requested.

'Tragic': PAHO warns against increasing covid cases of young people in Latin America

2021's first supermoon dazzled the night skies. But there were no viewing parties or packed roofs as stay-at-home orders kept people indoors. WION's Palki gets you a round-up of supermoon sightings around the world.

Gravitas: No audience for 2021's first supermoon

According to NASA, this year's super moon has been called a "pink" super moon, as it appears in April and named after an American plant, pink phlox, that blooms in Spring.

Supermoon dazzles night skies across Latin America

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that Latin America's recovery from the pandemic crisis is lagging the rest of the world and the economy will not return to its pre-pandemic level until 2024.

IMF warns, Latin America's economy will be last to recover

Latin America's biggest country has now become the global epicentre of the Coronavirus pandemic. Brazil passing 300,000 Coronavirus deaths.

Coronavirus Update: Brazil's passes 300,000 Coronavirus deaths

Two months after the vaccination campaigns kicked off in the west, the first jabs are finally arriving in Africa and Latin America. While the virus may not discriminate, the vaccination programmes certainly do. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how.

Gravitas: A world of 'Vaccine Haves & Have Nots'

The pandemic has left its mark on churches in Mexico and Colombia, with a no touching rule in place on Ash Wednesday (February 17). In pre-pandemic times priests would apply ash to the foreheads of faithful in the sign of a cross, on a day that marks the first day of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer and fasting for faithful.

No touching: Covid leaves its mark on Ash Wednesday in Latin America

In Latin America the region with the second-highest deaths related to COVID-19. The region is now enduring an oxygen shortage, hospitals are unable to meet the demands and patients continue to suffer.

Struggle for Oxygen in Latin America, people pay high prices for oxygen tanks

Latin America reels from Coronavirus outbreak

It will not be possible to host carnival celebrations in July, Rio de Janeiro's new mayor said on Thursday (January 21), as Brazil's second wave of coronavirus infections gathers steam with vaccine supplies still scare in Latin America's biggest country.

No way to hold Rio carnival in July, the city's mayor says

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