WARNING: Some readers may find these images distressing.
Pictures showing the lifeless body of young Syrian refugee have shocked Europe.
The upsetting image depicts the dark-haired boy, clothed in a red T-shirt and shorts, washed up on a beach, lying face down in the surf close to Bodrum, one of Turkey’s resort towns.
An accompanying image portrays a policeman carrying the body away from the beach.
According to The Guardian, the young boy is believed to have been one of at least 12 Syrians who drowned attempting to reach Greece.
The powerful pictures have understandably gone viral as people try to come to terms with the reality of Europe’s current refugee crisis, becoming the top trending picture on Twitter under the hashtag #KiyiyaVuranInsanlik
It translates as ‘Humanity washed ashore.’
#kiyiyavuraninsanlik Europe must do something for help all refugees. pic.twitter.com/5HCoQ8Udoq
— Guil Mendes (@guilleme) September 2, 2015
WHY has it taken a photo of a drowned child for the world to realise we need to do something??? #KiyiyaVuranInsanlik pic.twitter.com/eG2EVkfBzg
— Alexandra Maher (@alex_maher) September 2, 2015
I wish I could unsee #KiyiyaVuranInsanlik, but it's important that I have. Please can we actually start trying to help these poor people?
— Gillian Harlick (@FutureGillian) September 2, 2015
I can't bring myself to rt picture; too upsetting. Terrible to turn away those seeking refuge like that poor wee boy. #KiyiyaVuranInsanlik
— Briski 🏴 (@somebriski) September 2, 2015
Meanwhile, the Irish Naval Service is extending its mission in the Mediterranean.
Minister for Defence Simon Coveney says The L.E Samuel Beckett will replace L.E Niamh from the end of September until the end of November.
The Irish Navy has been aiding Italian authorities in search and rescue operations involving refugees.
Story and images via The Guardian and Reuters
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