Europe’s migrant crisis escalated, without relent, throughout 2015.
But one moment, one image, pricked the minds and hearts of millions who were finally able to understand the severity of the situation – and the desperate struggle faced by those fleeing persecution and war.
Devastating images of three-year-old Aylan Kurdi, whose lifeless body washed on the shore of a beach in Turkey in September, went viral. It sparked an outpouring of support for migrants and refugees, and shot the debate further up the international agenda.
Aylan’s mother and five-year-old brother were also killed when that tiny boat capsized on its way to Greece.
Father Abdullah Kurdi, who now lives in Iraq, recorded a Christmas message with AFP media, pleading for the world to be more accepting of Syrian migrants.
“My message is I’d like the whole world to open its doors to Syrians,” he said in his native Arabic.
“If a person shuts a door in someone’s face, this is very difficult. When a door is opened they no longer feel humiliated.”
Mr Kurdi reflected on his grief to explain there is plenty of pain being felt which will continue for the rest of his life.
“At this time of year I would like to ask you all to think about the pain of fathers. Mothers and children who are seeking peace and security,” Mr Kurdi said.
“We ask just a little bit of sympathy from you.”
More than one million refugees – almost half of them Syrian – have flocked to Europe this year, risking their lives in the process. More than four million people have fled Syria since the start of its civil war.
But despite the tragedy, Mr Kurdi ends his message with a sense of optimism.
“Hopefully next year the war will end in Syria and peace will reign all over the world,” he said.
