NEW YORK, Sept. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- "Heart-breaking images of children's bodies washing up on the shores of Europe … lying suffocated in the backs of trucks crossing borders … being passed over barbed wire fences by desperate parents.
"As the migrant and refugee crisis in Europe deepens, these will not be the last shocking images to ricochet around the world on social media, on our televisions screens and on the front pages of our newspapers.
"But it is not enough for the world to be shocked by these images. Shock must be matched by action.
"For the plight of these children is neither by their choice nor within their control. They need protection. They have a right to protection.
"We urge that the following measures be taken:
"Our hearts go out today to the families who have lost children -- off the coasts, on the shores, and along the roadsides of Europe. As the debates on policies proceed, we must never lose sight of the deeply human nature of this crisis.
"Nor of the children.
"Nor of its scale. At least a quarter of those seeking refuge in Europe are children -- in the first six months of this year, more than 106,000 children claimed asylum in Europe.
"And we should never forget what lies behind so many of the stories of families seeking sanctuary in Europe: terrible conflicts such as that in Syria, which already has forced some 2 million children to flee their country. Only an end to these conflicts can bring an end to the misery of so many."
Photos and broll are available at: http://uni.cf/1LOQt9b
About UNICEF
UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere. For more information about UNICEF and its work visit: www.unicef.org