Search the keyword “Venezuela” online or check out news coverage of events in the South American country and you’re sure to be hit with headlines about a nation in the grips of a catastrophic crisis. Millions of stricken citizens without food, cash, or rights fleeing to the border or languishing in hopelessness at home.
This spotlight – highlighting stories of state repression, media censorship and attacks on human rights defenders – has shone on this oil-rich nation for years now, capturing the world’s attention.
Naturally, there is truth to this representation of the situation in Venezuela. But it’s far from the full picture. What’s missing are the many stories of remarkable acts of conviction and compassion – of ordinary Venezuelans donating food and medicine to those in more need than themselves; stories inspiring acts of solidarity, of people building support networks in the face of little and often polarized international support; uniting in defense of fundamental freedoms amid the turmoil.
