Central/South America: Protests planned or underway May 1 in urban centers regionwide to commemorate International Workers' Day

Event

Various activist groups plan to protest or have begun protesting in major cities across Central and South America May 1 to commemorate International Workers' Day (May Day). Actions are most likely in form of static gatherings or marches through city centers, with likely locations including central squares, major thoroughfares, and outside government offices. Activist groups and labor unions could also stage deliberately disruptive actions such as roadblock protests and strikes. Attendance will vary by location but could be in the thousands at larger gatherings, such as demonstrations in capital cities.

Additional police will likely deploy to all major gatherings. Large crowds and associated security measures will likely prompt localized transport disruptions in demonstration areas; public transport could be canceled or diverted. Current COVID-19 measures across most the region place restrictions on public gatherings. Authorities may seek to preemptively ban demonstrations or attempt disperse participants if they are deemed to be breaching these restrictions. Activists seeking to circumvent security cordons may gather in alternative areas than announced in affected cities. Isolated clashes between police and protesters are possible, particularly if activists attempt to breach security cordons, are overly disruptive, or attempt to block major roads. Bystanders are unlikely to be directly targeted in any violence but would face a significant indirect threat of harm.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Monitor local media for up to date information on demonstrations and related transport disruptions; allow extra time for travel in affected locations.