PHOTO OF A MAN CARRYING LIFELESS BODY OF YOUNG CHILD BECOMES A SYMBOL OF EUROPE'S MIGRANT CRISIS.

Photo of man carrying lifeless body of young child becomes a symbol of Europe’s migrant crisis

A policeman carrying the lifeless body of a young child from a beach in Turkey has become one of the most visual symbols of Europe’s refugee crisis so far.

That photo and others taken at the scene have sparked outcry throughout the world, bringing the severity of the migrant crisis to the forefront. 

They’ve been widely shared on social media – Twitter users have adopted the hashtags #KiyiyaVuranInsanlik (humanity washes ashore) and #AylanKurdi – and through international media channels.

Another 13 refugees, believed to be from Syria, washed ashore Wednesday while apparently trying to reach the Greek island of Kos from Turkey. 

They sacrificed their lives in the vain hope of reaching the relative safety of the European Union.

More than double the population of Toronto has either died or fled their homes since the Syrian conflict began in 2011.

In the past 24 hours alone, around 1,000 people have been rescued by the coast guard in the Aegean Sea.

Germany is has receivedalmostfour times the number of refugees as last year.

Other governments’ apparent lack of compassion has provoked public outcry.

Amidst the ongoing chaos, soccer fans, usually the target of criticism, assumed the role of moral arbiters of society. 

Supporters across the continent unveiled banners preaching support for refugees to urge politicians to show compassion, rather than refuse the asylum seekers.

In Iceland, a Facebook group set up by author Bryndis Bjorgvinsdottir forced the country’s government to reconsider plans to accept only approximately 50 refugees from Syria. 

Icelanders chided their government on social media and personally offered clothing, food, and even shelter to the despairing Syrian people.

In Vienna, tens of thousands took to the streets to protest Austria and Europe’s treatment of refugees.

The crisis has also ignited a debate of what words are appropriate to describe the fleeing Syrians. Are they refugees, migrants, or simply people?

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