The death of three-year-old Aylan Kurdi shocked the world. |
 |
He was but one of thousands of child refugees fleeing war for a better life. |
 |
An estimated two million children are on the move with their families, the UNHCR has estimated. |
 |
These children make up more than half the total number of Syrian refugees. |
 |
Their families escaped a bloody civil war, which has raged since 2011. |
 |
As of last year, as many as 11,400 children were thought to have been killed in the conflict. |
 |
And at least 400 children have been tortured by Syrian government forces, Human Rights Watch claimed. |
 |
In Syria, food was scarce. Children went hungry. |
 |
Because of the fighting, schools closed. The children’s education suffered. |
 |
“Five years is a lot of school to miss,” UNHCR’s Greg Mills says. |
 |
Most of their families are seeking sanctuary in Europe. |
 |
This is the first time since World War II that the UNHCR, the international refugee agency, has been fully operational across Western Europe. |
 |
The UNHCR is calling for donations to help feed and protect refugees while they seek permanent homes. |
 |
If you would like to support the agency’s efforts in Europe, click here or call 1300 885 997. |
 |
Australia has agreed to resettle 12,000 refugees from Syria and Iraq. |
 |
The first wave of refugees is expected to arrive before Christmas. |
 |
Social Services Minister Scott Morrison recommends that concerned Australians get in touch with their local MP or community group to find out how to help these families resettle. |
 |
All photos: UNHCR, Getty
Live News
Top tips on how to grab a Black Friday bargain
The pet name most loved by cat and dog owners
The Stats Guy: How the young, diverse and non-believing will get Australia to 30 million
Tech world in uproar: OpenAI faces staff exodus after firing CEO
Australians suffer higher electricity prices as networks rake in billions of excess profits
Hollywood studios return to Australia after SAG-AFTRA deal
