#Voice4Alan: UNHCR launches campaign to mark Alan Kurdi's death

To mark the 3-year-old’s death anniversary, UNHCR launches "Remember the Name. Remember the Day." campaign to draw attention to continued struggle of refugees which are children.

Society

2 min read

The New Arab

07 September, 2017

The heart-breaking image quickly spread around world [AFP]

In one of the most haunting images from the Syrian migrant crisis, the lifeless body of 3-year-old Aylan Kurdi (alternatively spelled Alan) was photographed lying on a Turkish beach in 2015, after he, his 5-year-old brother and their mother died when their rubber boat capsized as it headed for Greece.

The heart-breaking image quickly spread around world and became a poignant symbol of the struggle of Syrian refugees desperately attempting to find safety in Europe.

Kurdi's unforgettable photograph, which was captured by Turkish journalist Nilfufer Demir, prompted international outcry in solidarity with refugees.

To mark the 3-year-old's death anniversary, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) launched "Remember the Name. Remember the Day." campaign to draw attention to continued struggle of refugees – half of which are children.

The campaign also seeks to push for action towards improving the lives of the refugees and displaced across the world.

"Nearly two years after the lifeless body of three-year-old Syrian toddler Aylan Kurdi was found on a Turkish beach," UNHCR said in a press release. "[We urge] the international community to take robust action to prevent more tragedies."

Since September 2015, at least 8,500 refugees and migrants have died or gone missing trying to cross the Mediterranean alone, according to the UN. Many others have died in the desert.

"Although the number of arrivals in Europe has drastically decreased since Aylan’s death, people continue to attempt the journey and many have lost their lives in the process," the statement added.

The hashtag #Voice4Alan quickly gained traction on twitter as many took to the social media platform to pay tribute to refugees and mark Kurdi's death.

Twitter Post