Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake on the child migrant and refugee crisis in Europe
2015-09-03
NEW YORK/ HONG KONG, 3 September 2015 – “Heart-eaking images of children’s bodies washing up on the shores of Europe … lying suffocated in the backs of trucks crossing borders … being passed over barbed wire fences by desperate parents.
© UNICEF/NYHQ2015-2065/Georgiev |
“As the migrant and refugee crisis in Europe deepens, these will not be the last shocking images to ricochet around the world on social media, on our televisions screens and on the front pages of our newspapers. “But it is not enough for the world to be shocked by these images. Shock must be matched by action. “For the plight of these children is neither by their choice nor within their control. They need protection. They have a right to protection. |
“And we should never forget what lies behind so many of the stories of families seeking sanctuary in Europe: terrible conflicts such as that in Syria, which already has forced some 2 million children to flee their country. Only an end to these conflicts can ing an end to the misery of so many.”
Donate NOW, help children in crisis around the world! |