Five years ago a photo was published around the world. The image of Alan Kurdi, a small Syrian boy, on a beach, drowned while his family tried to seek safety, spurred a reaction rarely seen. At Action Réfugiés Montréal, journalists contacted us, trying to understand the scope of the Syrian refugee crisis, and, importantly, how people here in Montreal, Hawkesbury, the Laurentians and elsewhere could lend a hand. We shared our expertise on television, radio, and in print. People here in Canada with family members in refugee situations elsewhere also contacted us, trying to find a way to bring their families to Canada. Our phones were overwhelmed with offers to help: furniture, apartments, meals at home, going for coffee, and clothes. Churches and individuals called us, wanting to sponsor Syrian families. Individuals, foundations, and corporations sent us financial donations, often unsolicited. One photo quite unexpectedly created a cavalcade of generosity and caring.

Since then, over 40,000 Syrian refugees have arrived in Canada. They have learned French and/or English. The children are in school. People have found or created jobs. Much has been done, and we are thankful many people are living in safety. But when we talk to some of these folks about this anniversary, it brings tears: reminders of the difficult journey to arrive in Canada, the uncertainty they lived, and the numerous relatives lost due to war or trying to flee. Many here in Canada still have family members living in difficult situations, five years later, and hope that they might be reunited somehow.

Much remains to be done. Many Syrians are still in Syria, many are in neighboring countries. A large cohort live in Lebanon, a country currently in crisis. Children there are lacking nourishment and education. Parents have lost their jobs and means of supporting their families. Many are afraid, lacking money, food, and housing. The Gazette recently reported that the pandemic has increased disparities in Montreal between well-to-do families and newcomers; we know this is also the case for refugeed people in far-away lands. The pandemic caused a temporary halt for over four months, and an extremely harsh, abrupt reduction in the number of arrivals of sponsored refugees this year. People who have already waited years for their files to be processed now are forced to wait even longer, as are those living extended family separation.

And of course, there are not only Syrian people who need protection: organizations like ours have applications for sponsorship from countries like Burundi, Iraq, Eritrea, and Afghanistan, among others. Quebec has greatly reduced the number of sponsorship files accepted. Recently, the allotment for files submitted outside Montreal was not reached. We suggested flexibility to re-apportion the quotas to at least offer sponsorship spaces to the number of people originally planned. Notre gouvernement refused our suggestion, so even fewer people than planned will arrive. A government that can’t seem to acknowledge systemic racism refuses to meet its already miserly low quota for refugee sponsorship. A government that declares thanks to “les anges gardiens” offers permanent residence to some, but sees those who do the cleaning or provide security as not angelic enough.

Five years after the photo was published, our attitude is quite well defined. Gratitude, for the effort put forward by all segments of Canadian society to reach out a hand to refugeed people seeking solutions. Resolve, to continue to advocate for refugee rights, both for refugee claimants and for shorter wait times for sponsorship files. Confidence, in the willingness of our neighbours, including individuals, faith communities, and corporate entities, to continue to support the work of organizations that accompany refugeed people upon their arrival in Canada.

Five years ago a photo of a tragedy inspired so many of us to reach out. We know that compassion and justice for refugeed people will continue to provide hope to people here and far away.

Paul Clarke is Executive Director, and Cathy Nguyen and Emily Woods are Coordinators of the Sponsorship Program at Action Réfugiés Montreal.

La Presse