Clara’s Story, Venezuela
Photo caption: Clara Bastidas, UNHCR Assistant Protection in Venezuela, with Colombian refugee children (© UNHCR)
Clara has several years of experience working with refugees. She began in 2008 when she worked at an NGO assisting refugees in Venezuela. She spent a year in Guasdualito, Apure State (Colombian-Venezuelan border), where she was responsible for guiding and providing humanitarian assistance to new arrivals, who fled from the Colombian conflict to Venezuela.
Currently, as UNHCR Assistant Protection in Caracas, Venezuela, she provides legal assistance to refugees, including their application process. She also coordinates with relevant institutions to support refugee local integration.
“In the daily work with refugees, I have the opportunity to see how they strive for a better future, despite all they have suffered.” One of the stories she remembers best is Zoan’s*, who fled his country after being the victim of rights violations, persecution and torture. After he arrived in Venezuela, he had to face many obstacles: a different language, a different culture. “However, he still fights for his future because he believes it is his right. This motivation is something I really admire about him and about all refugees “.
Clara Bastidas
UNHCR Assistant Protection, Caracas, Venezuela
*Name changed for protection reasons
