One Year After Alan Kurdi's Death: How You Can Continue To Help Refugees

Exactly one year ago today, the lifeless body of Syrian refugee Alan Kurdi washed up on the Turkish coastline and became an abhorrent representation of the refugee crisis around the world.

The images of his body – carried out by a paramilitary police officer – made headlines around the world and highlighted the ongoing strife faced by thousands of refugees attempting to cross the treacherous Mediterranean sea to reach Europe each day. 

Yesterday, Alan's father Abdullah Kurdi lamented the international community for failing to put an end to the atrocities continuing in Syria and asked for politicians around the world to not forget the image of his son that day. 

'The politicians said after the deaths in my family: Never again!

'Everyone claimed they wanted to do something because of the photo that touched them so much. But what is happening now? People are still dying and nobody is doing anything about it,' he said. 

Unfortunately for Abdullah and refugees across the world, little has changed since Alan's unjust death. 

To date, 3,165 people have died trying to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe this year.

However, there is a way to help.

Whether it's donating, volunteering or fundraising, everyone can do their bit to support refugees during this difficult time.

Don't let Alan Kurdi's death be in vain. 

Katie O'Malley

Site Director

Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.